Latin Quarter WPB provides Lake Worth High School students scholarships to PBSC

For six years, a West Palm Beach nonprofit with deep roots in service and heritage has been quietly changing lives—opening college doors for Lake Worth High School graduates at Palm Beach State College.

From 2020 through 2025, Latin Quarter WPB awarded three scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Lake Worth High School pursuing their education at PBSC. In total, the organization contributed $30,000 to support students as they worked toward associate degrees and career certificates.

Latin Quarter WPB is a volunteer-driven civic nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Latin heritage, strengthening community connections, and fostering a sense of belonging in West Palm Beach. The organization connects families and local leaders with vital resources across government, private, and nonprofit sectors, serving as a bridge to opportunity while promoting education, awareness, and inclusion.

For Latin Quarter leaders, the scholarships represent a direct investment in the community’s future.

“We created these scholarships to open doors for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue college,” said Susan Burrows, vice president of Latin Quarter WPB. “By supporting their education—especially in high-demand and skilled trades—we’re helping build a stronger, more prepared workforce for our community.”

The initiative reflects the vision of Latin Quarter WPB President Dina Rubio, a proud Palm Beach State College alumna. Rubio emigrated from Nicaragua to West Palm Beach with her family in 1981 and enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College the following year. She earned her Associate in Arts degree in Interior Design in 1984 before continuing her education at Florida International University.

Now CEO of Don Ramon’s Cuban Restaurant and co-founder of Latin Quarter WPB, Rubio has made it a priority to give back to the institution that helped shape her career.

“Palm Beach State College played a pivotal role in my journey, and I wanted to create opportunities for students to follow their own paths to success,” Rubio said. “Latin Quarter WPB was founded out of gratitude—for this community and for the opportunities this country has given me—and these scholarships are one way we can invest in the next generation.”

Through efforts like these, PBSC continues to partner with community organizations that share its mission of expanding access to education and preparing students for meaningful careers.

As Latin Quarter WPB looks ahead, its leaders remain committed to empowering students, strengthening families, and building a more connected and vibrant Palm Beach County.