Local Reporting

Reporting focused on community resilience, educational opportunity, and the people shaping local enterprise.

Sarah Semon 9/21/26 Sarah Semon 9/21/26

For 15 Years New Beginnings High School Has Offered an Alternative Path to a Degree

Since opening in 2011 to help non-traditional students earn a high school diploma, New Beginnings High School has expanded across Polk county and helped thousands of students graduate.

Sarah Semon 8/24/26 Sarah Semon 8/24/26

Tutoring, Hot Meals, and ‘AI-Proof’ Trades: Polk’s Free After-School Boys & Girls Clubs

As Polk County students head back to the classroom, families face a familiar after-school hours scramble. Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County helps ease the strain.

Sarah Semon 6/8/26 Sarah Semon 6/8/26

$80K Grant Expands Polk Reads AmeriCorps Program

The Polk Education Foundation plans to expand AmeriCorps Polk Reads into fourth and fifth grades and five additional schools, with a GiveWell grant honoring Mabel Schaefer.