Palm Beach Gardens Lving - October 2026

4 PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 I n Palm Beach County, nearly half of all households struggle to meet basic needs, a reality that profoundly impacts the educational and career aspirations of our youth. For many, the path beyond high school feels uncertain, not due to a lack of potential, but a deficit of access and guidance. This is the critical gap that College for Kids, a local nonprofit uniting Take Stock in Children and TradeUp, has diligently worked to bridge for over three decades. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. From as early as 6th grade, College for Kids provides sustained support, mentorship, and wraparound services designed to empower at-risk youth. Our students receive academic coaching, career exploration, exposure to higher education and technical schools, and vital financial aid guidance, culminating in a guaranteed two- year scholarship that can be used toward a college degree or trade certification. This holistic approach, bolstered by partnerships with the Palm Beach County School District and AmeriCorps, ensures that students find their unique path, whether it leads to a four-year degree, vocational training, or an apprenticeship. The impact of this commitment is profound. An astounding 99% of our students graduate high school on time, with 96% pursuing postsecondary education or training. Even more telling, 74% go on to complete their programs, compared to just 29% of low-income students nationally. Behind these outcomes stands a simple but powerful conviction, one that CEO Nancy Stellway expresses with clarity: "Each student is capable of amazing things. Our job is simply to make sure they can see it for themselves and to reassure them that they're not walking that path alone." Honoring the student's own capacity while offering steady companionship along the way captures why mentorship lies at the heart of everything we do. As Board President Mack Perry attests, the personal connection formed through these relationships is the bedrock of our success. A single individual investing in a student can ignite a powerful ripple effect of perseverance, accountability, and academic achievement. Yet, the demand for our services continues to outpace our current capacity. These are students with real dreams, and their success ripples through every corner of Palm Beach County. We invite you to learn more about College for Kids and the transformative work we do. Your engagement, whether through mentorship, partnership, or financial support, can directly impact the lives of countless young people. Visit www.CollegeForKids.org to discover how you can join us in cultivating a brighter future for all. INVESTING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY'S YOUTH Cultivating Futures - By Lidia Vargas - BUSINESS PROFILE