AdventHealth To Provide $1.7 Million For Polk State Nursing

POLK COUNTY, FL — In a collaborative partnership focused on community initiatives, AdventHealth is contributing $1.7 million to the Polk State College Foundation to provide resources to enhance the college's nursing program.

Through philanthropic support, AdventHealth will provide financial resources to invest in the leadership of the college's nursing program by endowing the AdventHealth dean of nursing position.

"Polk State is grateful to AdventHealth for its commitment to the advancement of quality education and training in health sciences," Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. "AdventHealth's donation will further support our college in recruiting and retaining highly skilled talent and further enhance the nursing program for both our students and the community, where our graduates are successfully filling critical workforce needs in health care."

Polk State's nursing program includes the associate in science and bachelor of science degree programs which are known for their rigor and success in preparing highly qualified nursing professionals. Polk State Associate in Science in Nursing graduates consistently exceed state and national averages on the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse, with 2021 graduates boasting a nearly 91 percent pass rate on the exam compared to 64 percent at the state level and 82 percent nationally.

"Polk State College has an ongoing reputation of education excellence," said Tim Clark, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Polk Market. "This partnership aligns with our mission of providing high quality, whole-person care and will allow Polk State to continue to nurture the next generation of nurses and specifically help impact the need we have for highly trained and well-qualified health care professionals."

The need for registered nurses continues to grow nationally and locally, with this occupation listed on the 2021-2022 Regional Demand Occupations List for Polk County with approximately 300 vacancies each year. The AdventHealth dean of nursing will provide support for the expansion of Polk State's limited-access, highly sought-after nursing program, as well as ensure the college keeps its finger on the pulse of industry needs in direct partnership with AdventHealth.

The Polk State College Foundation's long-standing mission is to provide Polk State with the resources for the advancement of the college, its students, faculty, staff and other constituencies.

"The foundation's philosophy of providing scholarships for our students will remain a priority, but this partnership with AdventHealth paves the way for the foundation to enhance other college programs through community partnerships," said Jeff Baldwin, vice president of resource development and executive director of the Polk State College Foundation.

"It is creative collaborations like this that provide impactful and sustainable solutions for our community," Falconetti said.