Posted on by Polk Newsroom
Polk State College and LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort celebrated a continuing partnership in December on the Winter Haven Campus with LEGOLAND ®’s presentation of a $30,000 investment to the Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship Program.
Established in 2021, the scholarship program enables eligible LEGOLAND® Florida employees to attend Polk State without the burden of tuition costs by paying balances that are not already covered by other forms of financial aid.
“Polk State’s students also benefit from internship and experiential learning opportunities with LEGOLAND ®,” Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “I am grateful that we not only have an esteemed, international company in our County but that LEGOLAND ® is also generous and supportive in providing Polk State’s students and graduates with such valuable career-building opportunities.”
Since its inception, more than 30 LEGOLAND ® Florida employees, or “Model Citizens,” have benefited from the program. To be eligible, employees must have 60 days of employment service and be available for at least full workdays per week. They can take a maximum of five classes or 15 credit hours per semester and must achieve at least a C in each course.
“We’re going to continue our tradition of being able to support these students by prepaying their scholarships, so they have the opportunity to keep learning,” said Franceen Gonzales, President of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. “It’s so important to LEGOLAND® Florida; it’s important to the community; it’s important to this College.”
In December 2023, Lilith Johansen, a Hotel Team Leader, became the first Model Citizen to graduate from the Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship Program. She earned her Associate in Arts degree from Polk State and has since enrolled in the College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management Program.
“I am extremely grateful to both LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort and Polk State College for offering this opportunity to students and allowing myself and others the chance to receive an education while also building work experience,” Johansen exclaimed. “To anyone who is considering attending Polk State using LEGOLAND ®’s Building Higher program: Do it! It is never too late to start.”
The latest investment matches the initial $30,000 donation from LEGOLAND ® Florida in 2021. The resort provided $10,000 in May 2024 to replenish the scholarship fund. Those who are interested in employment, as well as the Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship Program, should email LLFRecruitment@LEGOLAND.com.
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