About the Fund
Horizons Greater Palm Beach Development Committee
The Horizons Greater Palm Beach Development Committee was established to secure resources and partnerships to build programs that support income-eligible students across Palm Beach County. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Development Committee secures funds to achieve a long-term vision: multiple Horizons sites that provide students with academic, social, and personal development over 9 consecutive years, from kindergarten to high school.
Our Vision
Horizons Greater Palm Beach is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities by fostering strong partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools. Together, we create enriching out-of-school experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning and empower children to thrive in school and beyond. Through our tuition-free program, which includes a six-week summer session and school-year support, we help K-8 students from income-eligible families build essential skills in reading, math, swimming, and social-emotional development. Horizons removes financial and logistical barriers by providing transportation, supplies, meals, and more to support students’ journeys from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The Origin of Horizons
Once established, Horizons Greater Palm Beach will be an affiliate of Horizons National, which began in 1964 as a summer program for low-income students in Connecticut. Evaluations by Dr. Edward Zigler of Yale University over more than a decade demonstrated that Horizons students showed improved academic outcomes, attendance, and attitudes, prompting Horizons National to expand its model across the country. Today the Horizons Network is made up of 70 sites in 20 states.
Horizons’ Impact
At Horizons, we believe children learn best when learning is engaging and joyful. Our programs are designed to:
- Inspire Learning: By blending academics, arts, and athletics in a fun and supportive environment, we cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
- Build Community: Students benefit from a strong support network of families, teachers, and partners who commit to each child’s growth from early elementary years through high school and beyond.
- Nurture Joy: We empower students by building confidence, expanding their horizons, and supporting their dreams, both in and out of the classroom.
The Horizons Model
The Horizons model is centered on a six-week summer program that provides a rich mix of academic, artistic, and cultural experiences for up to nine summers. Designed to prevent summer learning loss, our program helps close the opportunity gap, enabling students to find their best path to success. Horizons students benefit from:
- Nine consecutive summers of learning
- Swimming, arts, and sports activities
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Academic and enrichment support
- A safe, encouraging environment
- Field trips and experiential learning
- Tuition-free programming
