1,000 high school students from across Palm Beach County gathered to explore career opportunities available right here at home during the annual Explore the Palm Beaches event.
Launched more than 10 years ago, the program is a partnership between the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), the School District of Palm Beach County, and CareerSource Palm Beach County. The initiative connects students with leading local employers and research institutions to encourage the next generation of talent to pursue careers in Palm Beach County.
This year’s event was hosted at Keiser University in West Palm Beach and supported by the George Elmore Endowed Fund, the program’s primary sponsor.
Students from Across the County Participate
Each public high school in Palm Beach County sent one bus of students, bringing together young talent from every corner of the county. Students represented communities from Boca Raton and Delray Beach to Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, as well as the Glades region including Pahokee and Belle Glade. There were also several private schools that attended.
The event gave students a firsthand look at the career opportunities available locally while helping them better understand how their interests and skills can translate into future professions.
Meeting the Companies Driving Palm Beach County’s Economy
Students had the opportunity to meet with leaders from many of the region’s top employers and research institutions. Participating organizations included:
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Alan B. Miller Medical Center
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Bank of America
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
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Business Development Board of Palm Beach County
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CareerSource Palm Beach County
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City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Cleveland Clinic
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Cox Science Center and Aquarium
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Discover The Palm Beaches
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Dycom Industries
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Everglades Equipment Group
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FINFROCK
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Florida Atlantic University
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Florida Crystals
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Florida Power & Light Company
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Greenberg Traurig
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Hedrick Brothers
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Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
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Hilton West Palm Beach
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Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
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Keiser University
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KeyStaff
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Langan
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Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
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Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
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Modernizing Medicine
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Palm Beach Atlantic University
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Palm Beach County
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Path to College
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Port of Palm Beach
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Seacoast Bank
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Skanska
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TD Bank
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Tropical Shipping
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U.S. Army
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UES
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U.S. Navy
Interactive exhibits and kiosks allowed students to explore different career paths, ask questions directly to employers, and learn about industries shaping Palm Beach County’s economy.
Preparing Students for the Future Workforce
The event also focused on helping students develop the skills needed for today’s workforce.
Superintendent Mike Burke opened the program with inspiring remarks, encouraging students to explore career possibilities and consider the many opportunities available within Palm Beach County.
Students also participated in several educational sessions throughout the day, including:
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Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace — A presentation from a Florida Atlantic University expert highlighting how AI is transforming industries.
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Professional Development and Soft Skills — A motivational keynote focused on communication, leadership, and workplace success.
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Live Mock Interview Competition — Students took the stage to demonstrate interview skills during a live mock interview exercise moderated by a Business Development Board Emerging Leader Task Force member from Hedrick Brothers.
These sessions helped students gain practical knowledge and confidence as they prepare for college and future careers.
Strengthening Palm Beach County’s Talent Pipeline
Explore the Palm Beaches is designed to help ensure that the county’s growing industries have access to a strong local workforce.
By connecting students with companies and research institutions early, the program encourages them to pursue career paths that allow them to live and work in Palm Beach County after graduation.
The program is made possible through the continued collaboration of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County, CareerSource Palm Beach County, and support from the George Elmore Endowed Fund, whose investment helps keep the initiative inspiring students for years to come.
Over the past decade, Explore the Palm Beaches has helped connect hundreds of students with job opportunities in Palm Beach County, strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting long-term economic growth.
