Related Ross Launches Major Scholarship Pipeline to Palm Beach State College With 300 Scholarships
A powerful new investment in Palm Beach County’s future is helping hundreds of local students gain direct access to higher education and creating a new model for workforce development in South Florida.
Related Ross, through the Related Ross Foundation, recently celebrated the graduation of its Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program in partnership with Palm Beach State College, marking a major milestone in expanding educational access and long-term opportunity for local students.
Approximately 300 graduating seniors from Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and another 50 graduating seniors from Forest Hill High School received admissions and scholarship opportunities to continue their education at Palm Beach State College. The initiative is backed by an $8 million commitment from Stephen Ross and the Related Ross Foundation and was first launched in 2024.
“Golden Ticket” Scholarships and a Multi-Year Support System
At the center of the celebration was a surprise “Golden Ticket” moment, where qualifying students were presented with full-ride, two-year scholarships to Palm Beach State College. Students who had completed the application process were invited on stage for recognition, creating an emotional and celebratory moment that reinforced a clear and immediate pathway toward higher education.
Beyond the surprise scholarship awards, the Emerging Scholars Program is designed as a comprehensive, multi-year support system that extends well past tuition assistance. The initiative includes mentorship, dedicated guidance and counseling, summer academic programming, peer support, and access to additional academic resources aimed at strengthening college readiness and long-term student success.
The Related Ross Foundation is led by Executive Director Jeremy Morse, who oversees its strategy and partnerships by working closely with local residents, community leaders, and institutions to ensure the Foundation’s investments create a meaningful and lasting impact.
“This program is about creating real, lasting pathways to opportunity for students in our community,” said Morse. “By investing early and surrounding students with the resources, mentorship, and financial support they need, we’re helping unlock their full potential and strengthening the future workforce of Palm Beach County.”
Education Leaders Highlight Access, Outcomes, and Workforce Impact
Education and community leaders emphasized the transformational impact of the Emerging Scholars Program and its role in expanding access to higher education while strengthening South Florida’s future workforce.
“This generous investment from Mr. Stephen M. Ross and the Related Ross Foundation represents a transformative opportunity for Palm Beach Lakes High School graduates,” said Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “By removing financial barriers, this partnership ensures that every student—regardless of background—has access to a high-quality college education and a clear pathway to achieve their career goals. It embodies our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the future workforce of Palm Beach County.”
The program is already demonstrating strong early results. Participants in the Emerging Scholars Program engage in a three-week Early College Summer Academy, which served 245 students in 2025 across five schools, supported by 24 peer mentors and instructors. The initiative has achieved more than 90% attendance and retention rates, along with a 3.31 average GPA and increasing participation in dual enrollment opportunities.
To date, more than 150 scholarships have been awarded through the program, with a long-term goal of reaching 500 students annually.
“Seeing these students receive scholarships and immediate admission to Palm Beach State College shows the impact of strong community partnerships,” Superintendent Michael J. Burke said. “We appreciate Palm Beach State College and the Related Ross Foundation for providing these two-year, full-ride scholarships, which creates a debt-free path to higher education right here in Palm Beach County.”
By removing financial barriers, we give our students the freedom to focus on their academic goals and their future careers. As an ‘A’ rated district, we are committed to providing every student with the tools they need to succeed. This collaboration serves as a direct investment in our collective future, proving that when we support our students today, we build a stronger and more prepared local workforce for tomorrow.”
Speakers throughout the event, including Jeremy Morse, Parker, Burke, and Roslyn McCray, underscored the importance of mentorship, early academic support, and cross-sector collaboration in building sustainable pathways to student success and strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
A Model for Regional Growth Through Education and Partnership
The Emerging Scholars Program reflects a broader vision from Related Ross as it continues investing heavily in Palm Beach County’s long-term growth and economic vitality. Led by visionary developer Stephen Ross, Related Ross has committed more than $10 billion in planned investments across the region, spanning business development, housing, healthcare, education, innovation, and community infrastructure.
Through the Related Ross Foundation, the company is increasingly positioning education and workforce accessibility as core pillars of South Florida’s continued development, recognizing that long-term regional prosperity depends on expanding opportunity and strengthening local talent pipelines.
As Palm Beach County continues to grow as a hub for business and innovation, initiatives like the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program demonstrate how public-private partnerships can translate into measurable educational access and sustained economic impact. Together, these efforts are shaping a model for how communities can align philanthropy, education, and economic development to build long-term opportunity.
