Billionaire Stephen Ross donates $8M for tuiton-free scholarships to Palm Beach State College

Related Southeast, a development firm led by billionaire and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, donated over $8 million for scholarships at Palm Beach State College. 

The money from the Related Together foundation and the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program will provide tuition-free degrees for residents of the underserved communities north of downtown West Palm Beach. That includes neighborhoods such as Coleman Park and Pleasant City, which are historically Black neighborhoods. 

“Education is one of the most fundamental building blocks of all cities focused on inclusive economic growth,” Ross stated. “I am proud to kick off Related Southeast’s new philanthropic initiative with a multi-year partnership with Palm Beach State College that will invest in the next generation of talent here in West Palm.” 

Related Southeast has heavily invested in West Palm Beach over several decades, including the development of the Square mixed-use project and the convention center hotel. It’s the largest owner of Class A office space downtown and has several office towers under construction. Many of the companies it has attracted to the city are interested in workforce development. 

“The investment of Related Together is a blueprint for success that starts in our local high schools,” stated Ava L. Parker, president of Palm Beach State College. “Providing college readiness and STEM-focused resources boosts students’ skills and confidence and helps prepare them for in-demand careers right here in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.” 

Through other programs, Related Together will also support housing, income, employment opportunities, health care, arts/culture and digital access in the northern neighborhoods of West Palm Beach.