Foundation

“Teaching music appreciation kept his mind active and engaged, providing a life-extending sense of purpose,” recalls Chris about his father’s thirteen years with the College.  “My father has enjoyed a lifelong career in music and has always loved both performing and teaching.  He was fortunate to be able to make a living through music and took great pleasure in inspiring others through music.  We are thrilled that the scholarship that now bears his name has found a home at Palm Beach State.”

Two years ago, his father’s health issue prompted Chris to reflect on the man’s life, career and passion for music.    Inspired by a local and longtime music associate of his father’s, Chris had seen Paul Chaffin, a Lake Worth music store owner and member of the musical community, recognized with a scholarship in his name at Palm Beach State.

“This was an important choice while he’s with us,” recalls Chris, referring to the timing as almost selfish in nature.  “We wanted family and friends to be with him to experience this gift.  And the endowment is something for the future, something that exists of him and will exist beyond him.”  While his mother’s own interest in music and his partner’s nursing degree from the College also helped Chris to settle on Palm Beach State, another significant factor fostered his decision.  “If Palm Beach State students have a need, even a small scholarship can make a huge difference between going and not going to school.  We thought that we could make the most impact here and build a legacy that would provide for students.”

In June 2019, celebrating Charles’s 90th birthday at a family gathering in Ohio, Chris presented his father with a custom-framed letter from Palm Beach State President Ava Parker, announcing the scholarship in his name.  An emotional moment for all, heartfelt tears flowed from the man who has known a lifetime’s harmony of music and family and is now healthier than ever.

Today, Chris’s gift is bringing opportunity to the students of Palm Beach State by establishing the music scholarship, an expression as meaningful as the music itself.  According to Chris, this is a way to give back, especially with parents who always emphasized the importance of education.  “My father is a woodwind specialist; he plays saxophone, clarinet, bassoon, oboe and flute.  As a kid, I was exposed to great music, which was a tremendous gift really.  This is a salute to someone who has been sharing music with so many for so long.”

A universal language that unites people, transcends culture and celebrates diversity, music and its many facets can move us personally, emotionally, spiritually – as powerful as it is comforting in moments of joy or times of strife.  If it’s true that music can change the world because it can change people, it certainly changed Charles Colbert’s life.  Now, the scholarship that honors him is changing the lives of Palm Beach State students through the gift of music.

Giving to Palm Beach State College

When you give to the Palm Beach State College Foundation, your gift extends far beyond the dollar amount you give; it builds momentum and grows exponentially. A single scholarship can change an entire family's future. Gifts can expand with matching funds from government and other grant organizations. An endowment can create a new classroom, support faculty, launch a new program or even break ground on a new educational building.

Our Mission

Why does Palm Beach State College need a foundation?

The College is tax-assisted, not tax supported. Funding from the state has declined from 71 percent of the College's annual budget to about 46 percent.

We seek private support to both maintain and grow the depth and breadth of education the College provides its students.

The role of the Foundation is to develop relationships with community partners, individuals and businesses--who understand the value and contributions a college of this scope and purpose provides.

We then utilize those gifts by linking contributions with the College's most pressing needs.

Your tax-deductible contribution can provide:

• Scholarships for students
• Funding for new academic programs
• Capital improvements for new and ongoing programs
• Enhancement for the quality of education and student 
  life at Palm Beach State College

To continue our mission we need your support.

The Palm Beach State College Foundation can help with your commitment to the College.

Vision Statement

Provide sufficient funding so every student who wants to attend Palm Beach State College can attend! 

Create a value for learning and self-worth to unite people of all ages and cultures and share the belief they are empowered to shape how they live and grow within their communities.

Case For Support

So Much to Learn--So much to Share

Palm Beach State College: A commitment to excellence
Florida’s first public community college is now the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, offering more than 130 bachelor’s and associate degrees and career certificate programs.

Serving 49,000 students annually at five campuses, Palm Beach State College is the first step for over 30 percent of the college-bound high school seniors in our county’s public schools, more than any other institution of higher learning. We also build careers for thousands of professionals in our community.

And that’s just the beginning. Palm Beach State is also a leader in continuing education, cultural arts and online learning.

Palm Beach State College is vital to the community.

We provide an affordable, high-quality education for local residents who, in turn, serve and support Palm Beach County’s economic vitality and quality of life -- a win-win for our students and our community.

Contact Info

Palm Beach State College Foundation
4200 Congress Avenue, CRA 200
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Phone: 561-868-3450  |  Fax: 561-868-3687

Established in 1973. A 501(c)3 organization.