Growing Futures: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative is PBSC Panther Partner

Staff ReportSeptember 22, 2026

Palm Beach State College has recognized The Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative as a Panther Partner for its commitment to student success and helping prepare the next generation of professionals through employment opportunities, career development, workforce partnerships, and investments in education.

From left: Matt Hoffman, sugar cane growers cooperative CEO; Peter Barbatis, EdD, PBSC vice president of student services and enrollment management and interim executive dean of the Belle Glade Campus; Patrick Arnold, sugar cane growers cooperative agriculture technology manager; Matthew Lenihan, PBSC business and academic relations director; Brian Stinson, PBSC assistant dean of student services at the Belle Glade campus.

The College recognized the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the organization’s headquarters in Belle Glade. The company employs Palm Beach State alumni in its technology division and works with the College to help shape curriculum to meet industry needs.

“Palm Beach State’s partnership with the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative expands meaningful learning opportunities for our students and strengthens their connection to potential career pathways,” said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, JD. “We are helping students build the knowledge and confidence to become highly qualified candidates in their chosen fields.”

The cooperative also played an important role in bringing PBSC’s new drone program to the Belle Glade community, as drone technology is becoming increasingly common in agriculture. Drones help farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilizer, and crop treatments. The Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative uses drones daily to scan, spray, and treat their crops.

Patrick Arnold, the agriculture technology manager, was a leading advocate for the program. He made the case to the Hand Foundation that this program would have a major positive impact on the Belle Glade community, which persuaded them to donate the $800,000 to fund the program.

The Hand Foundation, a private nonprofit foundation established by Dolly and Homer Hand, supports scholarships for undergraduate and trade students. The Hands are Florida natives and settled in Belle Glade, Dolly’s hometown.

“We’re proud to partner with Palm Beach State College in preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said CEO Matt Hoffman. “By working together to align curriculum with industry needs and supporting innovative programs like drone technology, we’re helping build a strong talent pipeline that will benefit our industry and our community for years to come.”

Through its partnership with the College, the cooperative is helping expand access to career-connected education, emerging technology training and pathways to opportunity for the Belle Glade community. The Panther Partner designation recognizes that sustained commitment to student success, workforce innovation and community impact.