Interested students must apply by May 29, 2026

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Student ACES, a 501 c3 organization with the mission to create CHAMPIONS, is proud to announce a new opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in the Glades community to participate in a first-of-its-kind Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Workforce Training Program, developed in partnership with Florida State University’s Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children.

This initiative is made possible through the support of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and U.S. Sugar, whose funding and regional partnership are helping expand access to career pathways for students in under-resourced communities.

“Thanks to U.S. Sugar, this partnership helps open doors for talented students in the Glades to explore meaningful careers in behavioral and mental health — fields where compassionate, community-rooted leaders are deeply needed,” said Danita R. DeHaney, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We are proud to help prepare students for this work and invest in the long-term health and resilience of the communities they call home.”

The 10-week, 66-hour structured training program will prepare 10 selected students for entry-level careers in the fast-growing behavioral and mental health field. The program will run from June 15 through August 21, 2026, at the Student ACES Center (SAC) in Belle Glade.

“As a local employer and community partner, U.S. Sugar has a long history of supporting important causes including improving mental health outcomes and increased mental health awareness,” said Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar’s Community Relations Director. “We’re proud to support local families through public health initiatives like the one being led by Florida State University, Student ACES, and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Collectively, we can continue to make mental health in the Glades communities a top priority.”

The Stoops Center at Florida State University serves as the lead curriculum partner, providing both the academic framework and credentialing pathway. Student ACES serves as the wraparound and site partner, delivering mentorship, life skills development, and day-to-day support to ensure student success.

Participants will engage in a hybrid learning model that blends online coursework with in-person instruction and hands-on experiential learning. Students will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in key areas, including behavioral health systems, trauma-informed care, communication and active listening, ethical practices, crisis prevention, cultural competence, and career readiness.

The program culminates in a capstone project and professional portfolio, equipping students with tangible credentials and a pathway toward continued education, internships, or future certification as a Behavioral Health Technician.

“The Glades community is full of young people with the talent, heart, and leadership capacity to make a difference,” said Tai Cole, Associate Director of the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children at Florida State University. “This program gives students a pathway to turn that potential into purpose. Through this partnership with Student ACES, the Community Foundation, and U.S. Sugar, we are helping students explore behavioral health careers, build practical skills, and see themselves as part of the solution to one of the most pressing workforce needs in Florida.”

In addition to training, each student will receive a $1,200 stipend for completing the program.

“Student ACES exists to create real pathways for our students,” said Krissy Webb, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Student ACES. “This partnership with Florida State University with support from our sponsors, the Community Foundation and U.S. Sugar, allows us to connect students in the Glades to a meaningful, high-demand career path while surrounding them with the support they need to succeed. We’re not just training students we’re helping them build futures.”

Recruitment is currently underway and will continue through early June. Student ACES team members are actively visiting local schools to share details about the program.

Interested students must apply by May 29, 2026, and are encouraged to contact the Student ACES Center  at 561-463-7110 for more information.