PBSC grad earns college degree before high school diploma

Before she even slips on her high school cap and gown, Leslie Cruz has already earned a college degree — and a full-ride offer to the University of Notre Dame.

The Glades Central Community High School senior graduated Dec. 16 with her Associate in Arts degree from Palm Beach State College, an early milestone that set the stage for her full-ride scholarship to one of the nation’s top universities.

Cruz was introduced to dual enrollment during her freshman year at Glades Central Community High School through the TRIO Upward Bound Glades Region program, offered by PBSC in partnership with two high schools in the Glades region.

As a first-generation college student uncertain about which career path to pursue, Cruz saw dual enrollment as an opportunity to explore different fields while getting a head start on college. She enrolled in as many courses as possible, traveling to the Palm Beach Gardens and Lake Worth campuses to complete them. One of her favorite experiences was her anatomy and physiology class, her first time in a lab, where she had the chance to perform dissections.

“I recommend dual enrollment because the professors at the College are really great and the campuses are very supportive,” Cruz said.

Through the Upward Bound program, Cruz also received ACT and SAT preparation, tutoring, peer mentoring and financial literacy workshops. The program supports students from low-income families whose parents do not hold bachelor’s degrees and who may be at high risk of academic failure.

Beyond the classroom, Cruz balanced an impressive range of extracurricular activities. She is a member of her high school’s engineering club, the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She is also a multi-sport athlete, participating in cross country, basketball, volleyball, track and field and weightlifting.

Cruz’s hard work paid off. She earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where she will attend in the fall. She was accepted through QuestBridge, a program that connects high-achieving, low-income and first-generation students with top colleges and universities across the country.

“I feel very grateful—this has been my goal since freshman year, since day one,” Cruz said. “I really appreciate learning, and I think that’s where the foundation of my success comes from.”

Deidra Moreland, program director for Upward Bound Glades Region, said Cruz’s achievements reflect the program’s mission.

“Leslie has truly exceeded my expectations,” Moreland said. “Receiving her A.A. and becoming a QuestBridge match reminds me why our work matters—to remove financial barriers and position students for post-secondary success. She let nothing stand in her way, and that is the true definition of TRIO success.”

Cruz is excited to begin her next chapter at Notre Dame, where she plans to major in mechanical engineering. She hopes her journey inspires other students in the Glades to pursue their ambitions.

“I want to be proof that there are brilliant minds in the Glades,” Cruz said. “There’s so much talent and so many hard workers here. Don’t let other people’s views of your environment define you. You’re in charge of your potential, and no one else can tell you what you’re capable of accomplishing.”