Polk State Corporate College Earns International Certification for Quality and Efficiency

Polk State Corporate College recently achieved international ISO 9001 certification that recognizes the quality of its programming and efficiency in providing services to its customers, including students and employers who partner with the College for workforce training.

This puts Polk State Corporate College in a category with ISO 9001 certified organizations including SpaceX, Samsung Telecommunications, Intel, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Shell Global, and ExxonMobil.

Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti and the Polk State Corporate College team will receive the ISO 9001 certification award during a presentation at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center, 310 Technology Drive, Bartow

Tours and demonstrations of the Engineering Technology and Computer Numerically Controlled Machining (CNC) labs will be available then to the public.

"This certification proves to our customers and potential partners that their time and money is maximized when they work with us," Polk State Corporate College Director Howard Drake said. "They know that their investment is made with a training solutions provider that meets world-class specifications for quality, safety, and efficiency."

Polk State Corporate College provides approximately 12,000 students each year with high-tech degree programs and short-term training options that fulfill local workforce needs in industries including advanced manufacturing and information technology. Additionally, through partnerships with local businesses including The Mosaic Company, more than 220 apprentices have earned more than 2,000 national certifications through Polk State Corporate College since 2010.

Polk State Corporate College was attracted to the ISO 9001 certification because of its popularity in the manufacturing industry, which Corporate College largely serves through its Advanced Manufacturing Institute, College Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing (CAAM), and Industrial Maintenance and Machining Program.

ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems, which is used by a variety of organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The certification also illustrates an organization's commitment to continuous improvement with annual auditing.

The certification process evaluated Polk State Corporate College's customer focus, leadership, engagement, process approach, continuous improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management. Two years of hard work to achieve ISO 9001 will culminate during the September 20 certification award presentation.

"Polk State Corporate College's success in achieving ISO 9001 certification shows that we have our fingers on the pulse of what our students, employers, community, and the College need," Falconetti said. "We are proud to be a trusted source of quality higher education and workforce training in Polk County."

About Polk State College

Located in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 16,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The College also operates three charter high schools.

Polk State's advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.