Resources

Explore support, opportunities, and information organized to make access simple, clear, and real.

Legal & Rights

Know your rights, get help, and navigate legal systems with confidence.

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Health & Support

Explore mental, physical, and emotional resources designed to help you feel safe and supported.

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Opportunities

Discover programs, experiences, and pathways that help you grow, lead, and move forward.

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Community

Connect with safe spaces, local events, and communities that support growth, belonging, and connection.

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Legal & Rights

Find clear, trusted support for real-life situations.

Know Your Rights

ACLU of Florida

Educational resources to help you understand your rights in school, public spaces, and interactions with law enforcement.

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Polk County Public Schools – Student Services

Guidance and support for student rights, school policies, bullying, and disciplinary processes.

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Florida Bar

Clear, easy-to-understand guides covering everyday legal topics and individual rights.

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Polk County Clerk of Courts

Access to legal records, court information, and resources to better understand the legal system.

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Florida Courts

Guides and tools to help you understand legal processes, forms, and court procedures.

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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Information on the juvenile justice system and resources to help teens understand their rights and processes.

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Legal Help & Assistance

Free legal assistance for housing, family matters, and education-related issues for eligible individuals and families.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida

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Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society

Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low income communities and individuals in the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

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Polk County Public Defender’s Office

Legal representation and support to protect the rights of individuals involved in legal cases.

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Crisis & Immediate Help

Florida Abuse Hotline

24/7 confidential support to report abuse, neglect, or unsafe situations and connect to immediate help.

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National Runaway Safeline

Confidential support for teens facing crisis, unsafe environments, or needing immediate guidance.

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Peace River Center – Victim Services

Confidential support for victims of violence, including crisis intervention, advocacy, and help navigating next steps.

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Health & Support

Explore mental, physical, and emotional resources designed to help you feel safe, supported, and informed.

Crisis & Immediate Help

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

24/7 confidential support for emotional distress, mental health concerns, or moments of crisis.

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Mental & Emotional Health

Peace River Center

Comprehensive mental health, crisis, and victim services, including counseling, advocacy, and school-based support for teens and families.

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Youth & Family Advocates

Support for teens and families navigating challenges, offering guidance, advocacy, and connections to counseling, school, and community resources.

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Physical Health & Wellness

Central Florida Health Care

Affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health services available throughout Polk County.

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Basic Needs & Stability

Project Prom

Project Prom provides free prom dresses, suits, formal wear, and accessories to high school students to help offset the expenses associated with attending prom.

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Top Buttons

Provides clothing and confidence resources for teen girls.

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The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

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NAMI Polk County

Education, support groups, and resources to promote mental health awareness and emotional well-being in the local community.

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Florida Department of Health

Local health services including physical care, preventive services, and wellness support for youth and families.

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Feeding Tampa Bay

Access to food assistance programs and local resources for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

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Clothing, hygiene kits, and support for families and youth.

One More Child

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George W. Harris Jr. Youth Shelter

Emergency shelter and support services for youth in crisis, providing a safe and stable environment in Polk County.

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Provides virtual, personalized mental health treatment for teens and young adults through structured therapy and ongoing support.

Charlie Health

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YMCA of West Central Florida

Affordable gym access, fitness programs, and teen-friendly spaces that support physical health and well-being.

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United Way 211

Connects you to local food, housing, and emergency support.

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Summer BreakSpot

Provides free meals for kids and teens during the summer, helping ensure access to nutritious food when school is out.

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Opportunities

Develop leadership skills and take an active role in your community.

Volunteer & Community Impact

Polk County Government – Youth & Volunteer Programs

Opportunities to get involved in local government, volunteer initiatives, and community impact projects.

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Youth Leadership Polk

Youth Leadership Polk (YLP) is a FREE leadership training program for teens, focused on cultivating key leadership and employability skills.

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4-H Polk County Youth Development

Programs focused on leadership, public speaking, and hands-on learning experiences.

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Feeding Tampa Bay – Volunteer

Support food distribution efforts and help address food insecurity.

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Keep Polk County Beautiful

Participate in environmental projects and community clean-up initiatives.

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SPCA Florida – Youth Volunteering

Work with animals and support shelter programs through youth volunteering.

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Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine

Support community health efforts through volunteer service opportunities.

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Camp Fire- Teen Programs

Teens in Service is Camp Fire Sunshine’s year-round volunteer program designed for youth in grades 6–12 who want to make a meaningful impact in their community.

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Red Cross Youth Volunteer Programs

Get involved in disaster relief, blood drives, and community outreach.

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Bonnet Springs Park

Offers a variety of volunteer opportunities with flexible shift times to fit any schedule!

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United Way of Central Florida – Volunteer Opportunities

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Career & Skill Building

CareerSource Polk – Youth Programs

Workforce development, job readiness training, and career exploration opportunities for teens.

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Polk County Rise

The organization was created with the vision of giving Polk County residents a safe, healthy and affordable outlet through sports activities.

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Junior Achievement of Polk County

Build financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness skills.

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Polk State College – Dual Enrollment

Earn college credit and explore academic pathways while in high school.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County

Career Programs Develop leadership, career readiness, and life skills.

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Year Up

Career training and pathways to professional opportunities for young adults.

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Google Career Certificates

Gain in-demand skills in tech, business, and data through online programs.

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Microsoft Learn for Students

Free courses to build digital and technical skills.

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Explore local opportunities, career pathways, and programs that help you connect with your future.

ConnectED Polk

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LinkedIn Learning

Develop professional skills including communication, leadership, and career prep.

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Leadership & Civic Engagement

Youth Leadership Polk

Leadership development program focused on civic engagement and community awareness.

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Leaders Club

Leader’s Club is a group of teens who serve their community, learn leadership skills, and develop key character traits.

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Scholarships & Future Pathways

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Merit-based scholarships that reward academic achievement and community involvement.

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Scholarships.com – Student Opportunities

Find Scholarships for College.

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Polk Education Foundation

Local scholarships designed specifically for Polk County students.

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Fastweb Scholarships

Personalized scholarship matches and financial aid resources.

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College planning tools, scholarship search, and career guidance.

College Board BigFuture

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RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships

Earn scholarships through achievements during high school.

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QuestBridge

Connect high-achieving students with top colleges and full scholarships.

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Horatio Alger Scholarship

Support for students demonstrating perseverance and financial need.

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QuestBridge

Connect high-achieving students with top colleges and full scholarships.

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Appily

Search colleges, find scholarships, take virtual tours, compare costs, and move forward with confidence.

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Finaid

Finaid has helped students and families navigate college financial aid for over 30 years. Explore FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, and more to make informed decisions about funding your education.

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Fastweb

Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid news and resources.

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Collegiate Funding

Collegiate Funding helps students and families explore financial aid options and find resources to make college more affordable.

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Going Merry

Scholarship search and application platform that lets students apply to many opportunities directly.

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Community

Find spaces to connect, belong, and be part of something.

Community Events & Local Life

Lakeside Village

An open-air lifestyle center with shopping, dining, events, and spaces to gather with friends.

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Polk County Library Cooperative – Teen Programs

Clubs, study spaces, and teen-focused events across Polk County libraries.

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Creative & Social Spaces

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

Art exhibits, workshops, and creative experiences for teens and young creatives.

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Tea Largo

A popular boba tea spot where teens hang out, study, and connect in a fun, welcoming space.

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The Lakeland Vintage Market

Lakeland's very own Vintage Market!

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Bonnet Springs Park

A modern park offering events, outdoor spaces, and wellness activities for the community.

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RP Funding Center

A major venue for concerts, shows, and large-scale events throughout the year.

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Kitty Cat Lounge

A cozy, unique space where teens can relax, connect, and enjoy a different kind of hangout.

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Concord Coffee

A relaxed café perfect for studying, meeting friends, and spending time in a welcoming environment.

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Lakeland Public Library

A free community space where teens can study, use computers, meet friends and participate in teen programs, clubs and creative activities.

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Downtown Lakeland Events

Markets, festivals, and community events happening year-round in downtown Lakeland.

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A historic downtown venue offering films, live performances, and special events.

Polk Theatre

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Rec Room Lakeland

Arcade games, music, and a social space designed for fun and connection.

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