MLK Leadership Awards Celebration
Palm Beach State College honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy each year. The College's celebration includes the presentation of leadership awards to individuals and organizations who embody Dr. King's spirit. Members of the general public are invited to join the PBSC community in celebrating those who lead with purpose and inspire positive change.
2027 Call for Nominations
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards were established at Palm Beach State College to recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and commitment to others have made a lasting impact on their communities. Nominees exemplify the spirit of Dr. King through community engagement, educational opportunity, mutual respect, service and philanthropy. View information below about the award categories and criteria.
Anyone from PBSC or the general public is invited to submit nominations. The deadline to submit nominations for 2027 nominees is 5 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026.
Nomination Criteria
Please review the nomination criteria for the award category for which you are nominating an individual or organization.PBSC Alumni
Criteria
The nominee must be a Palm Beach State College graduate who holds a degree or CCP certificate. The nominee must have performed exemplary service on behalf of others or achieved accomplishments that have greatly improved the quality of life for their community, and who, by example, has served as a role model for the underserved.
PBSC Faculty/Staff
Criteria
The nominee must be a current Palm Beach State College faculty or staff member (full-time or regular part-time employee) and must have completed at least six months of employment and be in good standing. The nominee must have performed exemplary service to improve the quality of life for an underserved group, whether in the classroom, student life, faculty or staff relations, or through community outreach linked to the College.
PBSC Student
Criteria
The nominee currently must be enrolled in a Palm Beach State College degree or CCP certificate program and must have completed at least one term with an overall 2.5 GPA or satisfactory completion. The student must have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and significantly contributed to the betterment of the community.
Individual
Criteria
An individual who has improved the quality of life, particularly for underserved populations; whose courage or innovation has contributed to the transformation of racial, economic and/or social injustices; or has worked for change through non-violent means and demonstrated commitment to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Organization
Criteria
An organization that has improved the quality of life, particularly for underserved populations; whose courage or innovation has contributed to the transformation of racial, economic and/or social injustices; or has worked for change through non-violent means and demonstrated commitment to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2027 MLK Celebration
11 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2027
Duncan Theatre | Lake Worth campus
4200 Congress Avenue
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Palm Beach State College's annual MLK Celebration and presentation of the 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards. Join us as we recognize outstanding leaders in our community. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public.
