Polk Sheriffs Charities Scholarship House – Bartow, Florida

Polk Sheriffs Charities Scholarship House – Bartow, Florida offers activities such as swimming, baseball, volleyball, canoeing, and arts and crafts. The program operates in a setting where a residential life coach lives on campus and serves as a mentor for young adults as they handle many “firsts” of adulthood, such as opening a bank account or purchasing a vehicle. Students in the program are encouraged to find employment, manage their college or trade school schedule, and learn how to manage their finances.

• Ages: 16–18 years old

Originally known as the Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa, this campus was converted in 2019 to a home for young adults transitioning out of state foster care or residential care programs. The Scholarship House is designed to help young adults learn independent living skills in a safe learning environment. The Polk Sheriffs Charities Scholarship House fills a gap in the lives of youth who grew up in challenging environments, and its stated goal is to equip its youth for success, even after graduation. The staff are trained in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). The program is part of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, whose mission is to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens. The organization also aims to equip law enforcement, teachers, biological, adoptive, and foster parents, churches, and systems of care with various Trauma-Informed Care Services, including employee training, TBRI evidence-based trainings, and implementation strategies to help create trauma informed communities.

Last updated February 15, 2026.