With more than 100,000 Polk households living paycheck to paycheck, according to the 2023 Community Needs Assessment by United Way of Central Florida and the GiveWell Community Foundation, access to employment opportunities and training is critical.
Community resources on display
Jobseekers attended CareerSource Polk’s open house to polish their resumes, take part in mock interviews designed to help build confidence, and learn about unemployment assistance.
CareerSource Polk’s team was “all hands on deck,” connecting residents with the tools they need for career growth.
- Financial literacy workshops — Teach practical money skills to help households move beyond paycheck-to-paycheck living.
- Young Leaders Program (ages 16-24) — Offers hands-on experience and internships that often lead to permanent jobs.
- CareerSource Polk’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program — Provides tuition assistance up to $15,000 for training and certifications in high-demand fields.
“We help people go back to school or training to earn a degree or certification — and ultimately, help our community find employment.”
Alicia Anderson, jobs and benefits supervisor at CareerSource Polk.…