Emerging Scholars Summer Academy Gives Students a Head Start at PBSC

More than 170 middle and high school students gathered Wednesday at Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth campus for the Emerging Scholars Summer Academy, a three-week college-readiness program designed to help local students build the skills, confidence and academic habits needed for success after high school.

Students from Bear Lakes Middle School, Conniston Middle School, Forest Hill High School and Palm Beach Lakes High School attended the event along with teachers and school leaders as they prepared to take the Accuplacer exam on June 25. Passing the exam qualifies students for dual enrollment, giving them the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

Sponsored by the Related Ross Foundation, the program offers targeted instruction, test preparation and career guidance for students from underinvested communities. The academy is part of a broader effort to strengthen the pipeline from middle school to college and, eventually, to careers that support long-term economic mobility.

“The $12.66 million commitment from the Related Ross Foundation is a big investment in your future,” Related Ross Foundation Executive Director Jeremy Morse told students. “The scholarship opens the door that should have always been open to you.”

Palm Beach State College Student Success Director Nadine LeBlanc, who oversees the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars program at the college, said the students’ energy and participation are central to the program’s impact.

“Watching these students show up, stay engaged and take ownership of their future is exactly why this program matters,” LeBlanc said. “The Emerging Scholars initiative gives students the academic support, encouragement and access they need to see college as a real and reachable next step.”

The event also drew Related Ross Vice Chairman Eric Silagy and Related Ross Executive Vice President of Development Jordan Bargas, along with Palm Beach State College leadership, who delivered motivational remarks to the students.

Through the Emerging Scholars program, Palm Beach State College advisors are based at Palm Beach Lakes and Forest Hill high schools, where they work closely with school counselors to help students navigate academic goals, career pathways and personal challenges. College officials say the program is designed not only to increase the number of students entering PBSC, but also to create a stronger college-to-career pipeline for families across the region.

LeBlanc said the program’s long-term value goes beyond test preparation and admission.

“This is about more than helping students prepare for one exam,” she said. “It’s about building confidence, creating consistent support and opening doors to higher education and career opportunity that can change the trajectory of a family.”

The Emerging Scholars program is the first educational initiative of the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars effort, which launched alongside Related Together, a broader philanthropic platform focused on driving change and economic growth in communities that have historically been underinvested.

Related Together also includes the Northend RISE initiative, which has supported housing, education, employment and health needs for individuals and families since 2021.

College leaders and program partners say the summer academy reflects a shared goal: giving students the tools, support and access they need to succeed in college and beyond.