Florida Legislature, thank you for believing in Polk’s college students | Guest column
The Florida Legislature believes in Polk County; and they’re taking significant steps to prove it.
During the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, our Polk Legislative Delegation supported legislation and funding priorities that will greatly impact our community and students. On behalf of Southeastern University, I would like to thank them for their tremendous hard work.
A particular note of thanks to the leadership of Sens. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) and Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, for their work to secure more than $1.2 million to support critical programs at Southeastern University. Due to their efforts, our students have opportunities to continue their education in diverse fields, find community and reduce their financial burdens as they pursue their dreams – allowing our local communities to continue to grow and thrive.
The Florida Legislature is continuing to meet industry needs and empower students in Central Florida by helping fund programs like SEU Trades.
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SEU Trades offers innovative trade programs and mentor-rich learning opportunities in an affordable and accessible format. Students can earn degrees in electrical technician services, HVAC technician services, plumbing technician services, project management and construction technology in a flexible, online delivery format. Each semester, they participate in practicums where they receive hands-on instruction, mentorship and on-the-job training in their career fields. Students are also prepared to obtain industry certifications upon program completion.
This funding is key for us to expand our offerings to include welding, diesel mechanics and advanced manufacturing to better meet the growing needs of the market. It will also enable us to acquire cutting-edge equipment and hire experienced educators to prepare our students for successful careers in these critical industries.
We are proud to be a part of Polk County’s community and are honored to help prepare the next generation of industry leaders to make an impact in their local communities.
As a university, we have also been privileged to house a postsecondary comprehensive transition program that focuses on preparing young adults with mild intellectual disabilities to make the transition from high school to adulthood. SEU Link is one of a few faith-based programs in the U.S.
This two-year program teaches employability, independent living and self-advocacy skills through unique, Link-specific courses. Students also prepare for their future careers by taking courses alongside other SEU students and participating in work experiences and internships both on and off campus. Since the program’s inception in 2017, 89% of Link graduates have been employed.
Link program students currently live in our residence halls alongside an individual residential peer mentor. With additional funding, these students can learn essential independent living skills from specialized mentors in a newly renovated house on our Lakeland campus. The addition of this Link-designated housing would allow the program to expand from two years to three or four years. It would also provide students with more opportunities to earn certificates, complete training and learn in a safe and encouraging community.
Our legislators are working to make this dream a reality for our students. They are demonstrating how Central Florida is committed to making our communities accessible for everyone so our students can thrive.
They are also continuing to support our students’ education and future careers through the EASE program. The Effective Access to Student Education grant voucher is not limited to specific universities or programs, allowing students to choose how and where they earn their degree.
Additionally, the EASE Plus grant will assist Florida students who are pursuing degrees in teaching, nursing, allied health, agriculture/vet science, cyber security and digital arts/computer graphics. This will be awarded in addition to the $3,500 EASE grant currently provided annually to eligible college students across the state of Florida.
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At SEU, we are grateful for the impact EASE has already made on our student body. Thanks to the award, 2,135 students have received funds toward their degrees for the 2023-24 academic year, reducing their future debt and helping them have a brighter future.
This year, SEU was once again named one of the fastest-growing private non-profit institutions in the country in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2023–24 almanac. We know that this is possible because of our legislators who believe in the importance of school choice and providing state-of-the-art programs in Polk County.
As a university, we are proud to be a part of this thriving community and are honored to continue supporting our students as they pursue their dreams. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our legislators and governor.
Kent Ingle is president of Southeastern University in Lakeland.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Thank You for believing in Polk college students | Guest column
