Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade campus welcomed over 180 student mentees and staff from the Take Stock in Children nonprofit organization and other community leaders on Aug. 28 to showcase PBSC’s academic and career pathways.
The mentees, which are students committed to the goal of achieving success in college, career and life, participated in back-to-school workshops while their parents and TSIC mentors engaged in parallel sessions covering PBSC’s resources such as disability support services.
The mentees were comprised of pre-teens and high school students. Other attendees included PBSC staff, assistant principals and guidance counselors, teachers from both Glades Central and Pahokee High Schools as well as medical professionals, law enforcement, retirees and community advocates.
TSIC Director of Program Services Danielle Oldham together with K-12 district leaders, Belle Glade Executive Dean Dr. LaTanya McNeal, and PBSC’s beloved mascot, Palmer, welcomed the diverse group.
“It was an honor to partner with Take Stock in Children for a second year and expand the showcase of programs and services presented to the scholars, their parents, mentees, and school district staff,” said McNeal. “This collaboration allows us to be a part of the participating youth village of success and their journey to meeting future career goals.”
In addition, Marcia Andrews, board member for The School District of Palm Beach County, provided inspirational words to the attendees regarding the importance of attending college for their future success and the school district’s collaboration with PBSC.
“These workshops were an incredible success for our students, families, and mentors,” said Oldham. “It was a powerful evening filled with inspiration, growth and connection. We are deeply grateful to Palm Beach State College for their partnership and unwavering support, which helps us empower our scholars to achieve their dreams. Together, we are building brighter futures, and this collaboration has made a meaningful impact on the lives of our students in Palm Beach County.”
The workshops included: Engineering Technology led by professor Dr. Eva Suarez, Business and Computer Science, led by District Dean Tracey Julliet and Program Specialist Claudia Garcia, an overview of the PBSC Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College led by professor Kevin Coakley and a Trade and Industry session led by Program Director Andrew Barret and Program Assistant Michael Bair.
Also present during the event was Akku Hallback, financial aid advisor, and Jose Murillo, Center for Student Accessibility manager, for the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses.
In addition to their parents, the TSIC mentees were allowed to bring other member of their families to inspire the next generation.
The event took place two days after the start of the fall term, jumpstarting an excitement among employees.
“The commencement of the 2024-2025 academic year heralds an excellent start, setting the tone for what’s to come for PBSC faculty, staff, students and families,” said College Recruiter Dr. Maurice Johnson. “The campus is abuzz with a renewed vigor that permeates the air with positive energy.”
For more information about the Belle Glade campus, click here. For more information about Take Stock in Children, Inc., click here.
Take Stock in Children, Inc. is committed to transforming Florida one student at a time. Operating statewide, TSIC collaborates with Palm Beach County School Board and K-12 district leaders in career and college readiness and is continuing its on-going partnership with Palm Beach State College.
Source: Take Stock in Children mentees visit the Belle Glade campus to explore PBSC’s career pathways
