Palm Beach State College has a commitment to civics education that is broad and deep. It includes two centers within the college dedicated to advancing civic engagement, a federal grant-funded program to assist at-risk students achieve success through community involvement and leadership opportunities, and diverse civics activities and civics-infused curricula at each of its four campuses.
The Center for Applied Ethics at Palm Beach State was established “to build and sustain a culture of ethics in Palm Beach County.” Funded by the Florida Legislature, it was a response to “a culture of corruption which had infiltrated many of Palm Beach County’s institutions, both public and private.” It focuses on education, training, research and advocacy, and serves local government, the private sector, and non-profits. Among its signature events are sponsorship of the Ethics Bowl for Palm Beach County high schools, an Ethics Connections Series that provides participants with the knowledge and skills to understand the role of ethical values and to apply them in their personal and professional lives, and a series of Community Ethics Forums, a national Essentials of Ethics Seminar and a mandatory Ethics Seminar for elected officials.
For more information, contact: Kim Ardila-Morgan, ardilamk@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-868-3545
The Dr. Kathryn W. Davis Global Education Center is a one-stop- education and resource program to help improve the success of foreign-born and international students at PBSC. It is named for the local philanthropist whose $1.75 million gift established the center in 2007. The center, in cooperation with community organizations, presents a variety of workshops to help integrate immigrant students into American society. These include guest speakers, supporting a student mentoring program, and providing guidelines for efforts to promote tuition equity for all college students in Florida.
For more information, contact: Dr. Jeannett Manzanero, Director, manzanej@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-868-3970
A federal grant funded the Student Support Services/TRIO Program, whose mission is to create opportunities for optimum student retention, academic success and career transition to first-generation, low-income and disability-qualified students who may need specialized attention to succeed. It strives to get students engaged in the college experience to its fullest extent, drawing them in to welcome-back activities, encouraging participation in Student Government and club activities, and providing volunteer opportunities.
For more information, contact: Jerinae Speed, speedj@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-868-3395
Civics-Related Educational Programs:
- At the Belle Glade Campus, curriculum in history classes includes lessons on the founding fathers, principles of democracy, republicanism and voting. Professor Kristy Taylor says civics discussions “are embedded throughout all of my classes.” Contact: taylork@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-993-1425
- At the Boca Raton Campus, Political Science Professor Terry Randolph’s American Government course is entirely focused on civic literacy, including such interactive activities as writing a letter to an elected official on a political issue, and registering to vote through the TurboVote platform. Students also may attend the annual Constitution Day program, and may participate in the Model Legislature and Model UN programs. Contact: randolpt@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-862-4667
- The Lake Worth Campus offers a myriad of volunteer activities, such as working in the local food pantry, taking part in activities with the campus’ Adopt-a-School program, mentoring younger students at the Boys & Girls Club, and performing community service at Alternative Spring Break. Contact: Mareta Iosia-Sizemore, iosiasm@palmbeachstate.edu, 561-868-3842
- The Palm Beach Gardens Campus features Congress to Campus, a partnership with the Association of Former Members of Congress that brings two former members of Congress to campus to discuss the inner workings of Congress and the federal government. A similar program for the state government level called Teaching Tallahassee brings members of the Palm Beach County legislative delegation to campus to interact with faculty and staff. Contact: Provost’s Office, 561-207-5401