Related Together, the philanthropic arm of Florida real estate company Related Southeast, has announced its inaugural grant, which will establish the Emerging Scholars Program at Palm Beach State College.

To commemorate the launch of Related Together, Giving Pledge signatory Stephen M. Ross, founder and chair of Related Companies, announced a commitment of more than $8 million to establish the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program at Palm Beach State College, which will work to grant tuition-free postsecondary degrees and credentials to local high school students, fund college preparatory advisors in high schools, and create a paid peer mentorship program with Palm Beach State students. The foundation aims to accelerate economic mobility in the Historic Northwest, Coleman Park, and Pleasant City districts.

“The investment of Related Together is a blueprint for success that starts in our local high schools,” said Palm Beach State College president Ava L. Parker. “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. The partnership with Related Together allows us to expand services into the community and removes the top barriers to a postsecondary education for students and their families.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/skynesher)