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Early College Academy

Palm Beach State’s Partnership with Lockheed Martin and ODP Business Solutions

Relationships are the cornerstone of the Foundation for Palm Beach State College. Partnering with local and national industries, the Foundation seeks opportunities to fulfill a mission that transforms lives and strengthens the community. 

On March 28, the Foundation hosted a morning event at the Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler Equity Institute on the Lake Worth campus to recognize its extraordinary partnership with Lockheed Martin and ODP Business Solutions and the development of Palm Beach State’s Early College Academy. 

 

 

PBSC’s Early College Academy program helps students and families realize a post-secondary education is within reach. By earning college credit while in middle and high school, students earn their high school diploma and associates degree simultaneously, thereby reducing the cost of college attendance.  

Palm Beach State’s partnership with Lockheed and ODP promotes awareness of opportunities, knowledge of career pathways and interest in high demand industries. Palm Beach State has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin, particularly with the College’s engineering department and Professor Oleg Andric at the Palm Beach Gardens Eissey Campus. ODP Business Solutions is passionate about creating opportunities for future economic prosperity for our communities and remains committed to the College by investing in today's students as leaders for tomorrow. 

David Centrella, President of ODP Business Solutions, sees tremendous value in promoting awareness of the opportunities this partnership brings. “We are proud to be part of Palm Beach State’s Early College Academy initiative, supporting and positively impacting lives in our community. Through this partnership, students receive the tools needed to be successful in their chosen careers. We support President Parker, the Foundation and the entire College as they empower students to impactful careers through innovative paths.”  

Peter Barbatis, Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management, recognizes this as an exciting time for Palm Beach State. “As we explore dual enrollment and other opportunities, students as early as middle school are introduced to the College’s 130 programs and vocational trades, demystifying the concept of college and allowing for a greater sense of belonging at this level.” 

The Early College Academy provides resources that support academic and wrap-around services to drive key underrepresented student groups to STEM, business and education fields. A dedicated infrastructure for Hispanic and other minority students to succeed allows for intensive college and career exploration for high school students through summer workshops. Focusing on first generation in college students, the Early College Academy also connects students to their peers, professional mentors, student services and resources through an in-person and virtual school foundation. 

Palm Beach State’s Early College Academy initiative empowers students to 

  • attain advanced technical training with employable soft skills
  • train for high-wage careers
  • know a path to a better, more secure future
  • be a pipeline of highly skilled professionals for the community, effectively contributing to its workforce and  development and their own economic mobility.

Palm Beach State College is the leading two-year institution in Palm Beach County specializing in high demand STEM and Business and Education Career Pathways, programs that begin for students as early as the start of high school.

ODP Business Solutions, LLC, is a leading B2B provider of workplace, facilities and technology solutions. As a trusted partner, ODP Business Solutions helps corporate clients navigate the often-complex needs of today’s business environment. From accessing comprehensive solutions and strategic alliances, to supply chain innovation and robust digital platforms, ODP Business Solutions helps customers achieve business results across every industry. To learn more, please visit odpbusiness.com. 

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs over 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. To learn more, please visit lockheedmartin.com. 

 

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