The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. (LRC) was founded by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc. in 1975 to help students by providing personalized supplemental education programs and consulting services for parents. At that time it was known as the Learning Disabilities Center, and its primary purpose was to serve students with specific learning disabilities and provide support for their parents. The name changed in 1977 as programs for the learning disabled grew in the public school system, and LRC expanded its services to help all students maximize their learning potential.
From its humble beginnings as a small volunteer group working in borrowed space to today, LRC has over 500 highly qualified educational professionals who provide countywide services to over 3,500 students ages five through adult.
LRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit United Way educational provider accredited by Cognia (AdvancED).
In 2023, Learning Resource Center received Cognia’s School of Distinction Award.The award recognizes schools and systems “that truly stand out in their service to learners…effectively implementing high-quality instruction, showing consistent organizational effectiveness, and maintaining a commitment tocontinuous improvement.”