West Palm Beach, FL (June 23, 2026) — Related Ross, through the Related Ross Foundation, has expanded its Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program to all graduating seniors of Forest Hill Community High School and Palm Beach Lakes High School, where 350 qualifying seniors were given on-the-spot college admissions and full tuition scholarships this spring to Palm Beach State College. Inaugurated in 2024, the Emerging Scholars program provides a comprehensive, multi-year support system for students, including dedicated guidance and counseling, summer academic programming, and full tuition scholarships to Palm Beach State College for certificate programs, associate degrees or bachelor degrees, providing opportunities for students to receive their higher education and graduate debt free.
This event marks the next milestone in Related Ross and the Related Ross Foundation’s efforts to promote access to higher education and remove financial barriers for students. Last month, several hundred students at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School received on-the-spot college scholarships through the program; since then, the program has expanded to support nearly 1,000 students across both public high schools, with full tuition scholarships available to all graduating students interested in pursuing a degree at Palm Beach State College. To support this expansion, Stephen Ross has extended his commitment, upholding a dedication to educational access and an investment in the future of Palm Beach County.
“Every student in Palm Beach County deserves the chance to see what they're truly capable of,” said Jeremy Morse, Executive Director, Related Ross Foundation. “Expanding the Emerging Scholars Program reflects our continued commitment to giving them the runway to prove what we already know: that they have everything it takes to succeed. We want students to know that their ambitions are worth investing in, and that this community believes in their potential.”
“At Palm Beach State College, we believe your dreams should never be limited by financial barriers,” said Barbara Cipriano, Provost and Dean, Palm Beach State College. “And, thanks to an incredible partner, your future just got a whole lot brighter because of the generosity of Mr. Stephen M. Ross—Chairman and CEO of Related Ross—and the Related Ross Foundation."
“This program helps remove some of the biggest barriers students face when thinking about their future after high school, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Related Ross Foundation for providing this support to our students,” said Mr. Michael Aronson, Principal, Forest Hill Community High School. “For many, receiving this scholarship makes college feel attainable in a way it may not have before, and that can have a lasting impact on the future of these bright young people."
“The continued expansion of this program demonstrates the impact that strong public-private partnerships can have on educational access and student achievement,” said Superintendent Michael J. Burke. “The Emerging Scholars Program shows what's possible with a shared belief in the future of Palm Beach County, and I'm proud to see students stepping into this opportunity.”
The Emerging Scholars Program also includes a three-week Early College Summer Academy, taking place on weekdays through June 25 at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and Forest Hill Community High School. Designed as a college-readiness bridge for incoming 9th through 12th grade students, the academy prepares participants for college entrance exams, helps them explore vocational options, and introduces pathways for dual enrollment at Palm Beach State College while completing high school. This year’s academy is expected to serve between 250 and 350 students across both schools, building on a 2025 program that served 245 students across five schools with support from 24 peer mentors and instructors. On June 24, all participating students will gather at Palm Beach State College for a campus tour and assembly, further connecting students to the college environment and academic pathways available through PBSC.
The program has achieved over 90% attendance and retention, alongside a 3.31 average GPA among students and growing dual enrollment participation. To date, Emerging Scholars has awarded more than 150 scholarships, delivering direct financial support to students pursuing higher education while helping them navigate academic and career pathways through Palm Beach State College.
With a goal of reaching 500 students annually in the years to come, and through continued investment and partnership with local schools, the program is building a scalable model for expanding access to education and strengthening the future workforce in Palm Beach County.
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Media Contact
relatedross@orchestraco.com
About Related Ross Foundation:
The Related Ross Foundation is the grantmaking nonprofit arm of Related Ross, dedicated to ensuring that West Palm Beach’s growth benefits the entire community. Established in 2023, the Foundation works in close partnership with residents of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Its funding pillars including economic opportunity, community flourishing, and cultural vitality reflect Related Ross’s investment in well-connected and culturally enriched neighborhoods. Through 2026, Related Ross has pledged more than $10 million in charitable contributions, including $8.35 million to Palm Beach State College.
About Forest Hill Community High School:
Forest Hill Community High School, also known as "The Hill," has served West Palm Beach students since opening in 1959. A public school welcoming both local community students and countywide choice program participants, Forest Hill is dedicated to building an academic climate centered on literacy, numeracy, and inquiry, with standout programs including International Baccalaureate, diverse language studies, and international studies.
About the School District of Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County School District is the tenth largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the State of Florida, serving more than 193,000 students (this number includes students that attend non-District operated Charter Schools) who speak 150 languages and dialects. The School District is the largest employer in Palm Beach County.
About Palm Beach State College:
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College has been an integral player in the growth and prosperity of Palm Beach County. Our graduates impact every industry and are community and business leaders. With 170 different programs of study, PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. More than 40,000 students enroll annually in onsite, online, live online and hybrid classes at five convenient locations in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens, and through PBSC Online. Learn more at www.pbsc.edu.
