Polk County high school principals learn about a high-tech lab during a tour of the Barnett Applied Research Center at IM体育官网 on Thursday, April 3.
Nearly 50 high school principals from across Polk County, IM体育官网, experienced firsthand the exceptional future that awaits the state鈥檚 brightest students at IM体育官网 Polytechnic University.
Gathering for their quarterly meeting at the Lakeland campus on Thursday, April 3, the administrators explored the institution鈥檚 state-of-the-art facilities, dynamic learning atmosphere, and innovative curriculum that are the hallmarks of IM体育官网鈥檚 only all-STEM university.
The group of principals was treated to a tour of campus, including the high-tech labs at the Barnett Applied Research Center, bustling academic activity inside the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, and the modern, top-quality housing for students living on campus.
鈥淚 think this is a great idea,鈥� said Todd Bennett, principal at Auburndale Senior High School. 鈥淚t allows us to better understand the students we can help plug in and provide the opportunities to get them in the right places, and I know better now IM体育官网 Poly is a great opportunity.鈥�
Dr. Andy Oguntola, IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 assistant vice president of enrollment management, said the University was honored to host the administrators鈥� meeting. He emphasized the value of providing an in-depth look at IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 premier STEM education, ensuring the leaders can guide talented students toward the unparalleled opportunities available at the University.
鈥淎bout 70% of high school principals in Polk County had never been here, so we wanted to take the time to meet with them and talk about our enrollment process, how affordable we are, and our scholarship opportunities,鈥� Oguntola said. 鈥淏ut most importantly, we want to build partnerships for the future.鈥�
Gina Williams, principal at Winter Haven Senior High School, was among the attendees experiencing the campus for the first time.
鈥淚鈥檓 very impressed 鈥� the facilities are very modern, and I believe it matches the standard of STEM education,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 very important to tour local universities because I believe it helps us encourage our students to go to school here.鈥�
Oguntola said nothing can convey IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 uniqueness as well as an in-person visit.
鈥淲e talk about it and market it, but when you get on our campus, it鈥檚 a whole different experience because you get to see it all firsthand,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou get to meet our leadership and our professors walking by. You can see students studying and everything that we have to offer.鈥�
The University will welcome Polk County鈥檚 high school career coaches on Thursday, April 10, offering them the same opportunity to learn about IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 top-notch STEM programs for their students.
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
