Summer Youth College engages 500+ students with STEM, Arts and Career Exploration

Palm Beach State College’s (PBSC) 2026 Summer Youth College wrapped up a successful run last week, having served more than 500 participants across its Lake Worth and Boca Raton campuses.

Organized by the College’s Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) department, the program offered a mix of academic enrichment, hands-on learning, and community partnerships from June 8 through July 31, 2026.

Throughout the weeks, students engaged in activities ranging from math enrichment and coding to field trips to the movies, Lake Lytal, local parks, the County’s Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, Manatee Lagoon, STEM activities, and a Jamathon.

“Whether they were learning new concepts, speaking confidently in front of others, discovering a new passion, or building friendships and teamwork, students showed tremendous energy, kindness, and determination,” said Dante Ferrell, PBSC’s youth programs manager.

A key feature of the summer was collaboration with local organizations. The KOP Mentoring Network’s Camp QUEST, hosted at PBSC’s Boca campus, provided immersive STREAM-based learning in aviation, equestrian science, entrepreneurship, environmental exploration, and golf.

On the Lake Worth campus, the Love, Hope & Healing 5-Week Career Exploration Program—now in its fifth year of partnership with PBSC—gave students exposure to cosmetology, HVAC, health fields, automotive, culinary arts, and event planning.

At the program’s conclusion, CCE and PBSC received a special partnership recognition award from Love, Hope & Healing co-founders Donte and Yolanda Bates.

The Summer Youth College also offered targeted programs for teens. Girls Who Build Summer Camp, open to girls ages 13–18, included hands-on carpentry, exploration of a Mobile Training Unit for real-world interactive experience, and panel discussions with women in construction.

"The EJS Project Summer Teen Conference created real moments of transformation, leaving students inspired, more confident, and better prepared to take steps toward their futures," said Aarif Khan, senior program manager for the EJS Project. "That kind of impact only happens in an environment that is welcoming, organized, and intentionally set up for success,” said Aarif Khan, senior program manager for the EJS Project."

The summer concluded with two celebratory events: a Student Talent Show on Wednesday, July 29, and an End of Summer Bash on Thursday, July 30, featuring cotton candy, snow cones, water games, crafts, and more.

“These programs reflect the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for the students, families and communities we serve,” said Deborah Gordon-Noncent, director of PBSC’s Corporate and Continuing Education. “We are already looking forward to another great summer next year.”

More information: PBSC’s Summer Youth College.