Author: Kristen Boyd

Local high school students explore PBSC Belle Glade campus

Palm Beach State College Belle Glade Campus hosted an academic pathway and career exploration event for juniors and seniors from both public and private schools in the surrounding area on Oct. 22.  More than 175 students attended, representing Everglades Prep, Glades Day, Pahokee Middle High School, and Glades Central High School. Students left the event with life-changing information that will help them make informed decisions about their future at Palm Beach State College.

After compiling the data from a quick survey taken at the event, the results showed that most students are interested in trade and industry, nursing, business, public safety, and cybersecurity/information technology. The survey also highlighted interest in dual enrollment.

All students were able to participate in the following:

Academic Pathway Workshops: Business led by Dr. Tracey Julliet, Computer Science Dean Hadley, Philip Berling and Germany Dixon Public Safety, Nursing by Rhonda Boles, Trade and Industry session led by Deborah Goldman and Michael Bair, and Dual Enrollment led by Daron Ingram and Alicia Pittman.

Career Vendors/Panelists: Florida Crystal, US Sugar, Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach Sherief Office, Career Source, Dress for Success, Finfrock, and Everglades Equipment lead moderator David Jenks emphasized that jobs and career opportunities are available in their fields. They explained how to apply for jobs and what training is best. The participants identified their individual gaps and what they need to achieve gainful employment.

Application Assistance: Application assistance was provided for over 120 seniors by the extraordinary enrollment services team of Bridget Weber, Lee Rodriguez, and Adielys Brito.

Student Panel Discussion: Six students who are about to embark on their college journey shared their thoughts on what it will take to become a master student. College recruiter Keisha Burchell moderated the discussion.

Overall, the event had a positive impact on the attendees, said PBSC’s College Recruiter Dr. Maurice Johnson. “It helps prospective students visualize their future and take the first steps towards their academic and career goals.”

Source: Local high school students explore PBSC Belle Glade campus

Take Stock in Children mentees visit the Belle Glade campus to explore PBSC’s career pathways

Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade campus welcomed over 180 student mentees and staff from the Take Stock in Children nonprofit organization and other community leaders on Aug. 28 to showcase PBSC’s academic and career pathways.

The mentees, which are students committed to the goal of achieving success in college, career and life, participated in back-to-school workshops while their parents and TSIC mentors engaged in parallel sessions covering PBSC’s resources such as disability support services.

The mentees were comprised of pre-teens and high school students. Other attendees included PBSC staff, assistant principals and guidance counselors, teachers from both Glades Central and Pahokee High Schools as well as medical professionals, law enforcement, retirees and community advocates.

Marcia Andrews, board member for The School District of Palm Beach County, provides inspirational words to the group during the event.

TSIC Director of Program Services Danielle Oldham together with K-12 district leaders, Belle Glade Executive Dean Dr. LaTanya McNeal, and PBSC’s beloved mascot, Palmer, welcomed the diverse group.

“It was an honor to partner with Take Stock in Children for a second year and expand the showcase of programs and services presented to the scholars, their parents, mentees, and school district staff,” said McNeal. “This collaboration allows us to be a part of the participating youth village of success and their journey to meeting future career goals.”

In addition, Marcia Andrews, board member for The School District of Palm Beach County, provided inspirational words to the attendees regarding the importance of attending college for their future success and the school district’s collaboration with PBSC.

“These workshops were an incredible success for our students, families, and mentors,” said Oldham. “It was a powerful evening filled with inspiration, growth and connection. We are deeply grateful to Palm Beach State College for their partnership and unwavering support, which helps us empower our scholars to achieve their dreams. Together, we are building brighter futures, and this collaboration has made a meaningful impact on the lives of our students in Palm Beach County.”

The workshops included: Engineering Technology led by professor Dr. Eva Suarez, Business and Computer Science, led by District Dean Tracey Julliet and Program Specialist Claudia Garcia, an overview of the PBSC Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College led by professor Kevin Coakley and a Trade and Industry session led by Program Director Andrew Barret and Program Assistant Michael Bair.

Also present during the event was Akku Hallback, financial aid advisor, and Jose Murillo, Center for Student Accessibility manager, for the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses.

In addition to their parents, the TSIC mentees were allowed to bring other member of their families to inspire the next generation.

The event took place two days after the start of the fall term, jumpstarting an excitement among employees.

“The commencement of the 2024-2025 academic year heralds an excellent start, setting the tone for what’s to come for PBSC faculty, staff, students and families,” said College Recruiter Dr. Maurice Johnson. “The campus is abuzz with a renewed vigor that permeates the air with positive energy.”

For more information about the Belle Glade campus, click here. For more information about Take Stock in Children, Inc., click here.

Take Stock in Children, Inc. is committed to transforming Florida one student at a time. Operating statewide, TSIC collaborates with Palm Beach County School Board and K-12 district leaders in career and college readiness and is continuing its on-going partnership with Palm Beach State College.

Source: Take Stock in Children mentees visit the Belle Glade campus to explore PBSC’s career pathways

STUDENT ACES TACKLES SUMMER SLIDE WITH FPL’S SUPPORT

This summer, while many students experience “Summer Slide,” the learning loss that occurs during the summer break, student-athletes at The Student ACES Center in Belle Glade are forging ahead. With the steadfast support of sponsors like Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Student ACES is dedicated to ensuring that students continue to thrive academically and personally through the innovative Student ACES Passport Program.

The Student ACES Passport Program is a research-informed comprehensive initiative designed to guide high school student-athletes through a series of interactive and hands-on tasks. These tasks are meticulously crafted to prepare them not just for graduation, but for success in life. Throughout the year, participants engage in activities focused on seven essential guiding principles.

Seven Guiding Principles of the Passport Program

  • Academic Success – Reinforcing core academic skills to keep students on track for graduation and college readiness.
  • Career Readiness – Providing insights and practical skills for future employment opportunities.
  • College Prep – Equipping students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the college application process successfully.
  • Health and Wellness – Encouraging physical health and nutritional awareness to foster a balanced lifestyle.
  • Mental Health – Addressing the importance of mental well-being and providing strategies for managing stress and emotions.
  • Character Development – Instilling values such as integrity, responsibility and teamwork.
  • Personal Development – Enhancing personal skills that contribute to overall growth and self-improvement.

All of the initiatives support the Student ACES mission to create CHAMPIONS through character and leadership programs for high school student athletes. CHAMPIONS is anacronym that represents the organization’s core values: Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle and Sacrifice for Self and Team. FPL’s support is instrumental in helping Student ACES cultivate these values in young leaders.

“Our organization, our CHAMPIONS and our entire community is extremely fortunate to have the support of FPL,” said Krissy Webb, executive director and co-founder of Student ACES. “With their involvement and participation, we have been able to develop and introduce a program that has an impact today and for years to come in our own communities and beyond.”

FPL’s commitment has been instrumental in the success of the program; it allows Student ACES to provide these enriching experiences without financial barriers, ensuring all students have the opportunity to benefit from the program.

“At FPL, we are honored to support Florida’s future leaders by giving back to the communities we serve and helping students pursue their educational goals and build successful careers,” Juliet Roulhac, FPL Director of External Affairs for Broward and SW FL and Director of Corporate Philanthropy for NextEra Energy Inc., said.

FPL has been a longstanding partner of Student ACES including board support from Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development.

– Jamie Levin, J Levin Communications

Source: STUDENT ACES TACKLES SUMMER SLIDE WITH FPL’S SUPPORT

Lowe’s Foundation awards PBSC $1 million Gable Grant to expand skilled trades programs and develop construction trades innovation center

Palm Beach State College is one of 10 community and technical colleges nationwide to receive the first-ever round of Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants to support skilled trades workforce development initiatives. The grants are the first in a five-year, $50 million commitment to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. This investment will fund cutting-edge programs in appliance repair, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. 

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