Broward College Receives $3.25 Million in Grants to Support Teachers and Refugees

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (December 4, 2018) – Broward College received more than $3.25 million in grants to strengthen its teacher preparation program, provide career pathways for refugees coming to the U.S.

"We are committed to changing the lives of our students, as well as our community," said Broward College President Gregory Haile. "Funding for these programs will go a long way in helping us foster a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion while strengthening services that provide opportunities for all."

Teacher Quality Partnership grant

Broward College is one of 17 institutions nationwide to be awarded a Teacher Quality Partnership grant of $2.49 million over five years by the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will strengthen the College's teacher preparation program and build mentoring in partnership with Broward County Public Schools. Through the teacher preparation program, Broward College hopes to recruit, prepare and retain 100 local, high-quality teachers to fill positions at high-need schools in Broward County.

"This is a unique approach to teacher preparation that includes diverse recruitment efforts, early field experiences and an intensive induction program," said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of the College's North Campus and head of the Education Pathway. "The overarching goal of the program is to increase secondary student achievement in the STEM areas while increasing student literacy skills in high-need, urban schools."

Refugee Career Pathway grant

Broward College was also awarded the Refugee Career Pathway grant of $750,000 over three years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement. The grant will expand Project RECAP (Refugee Education through Career and Academic Pathways), the College's existing refugee program, by providing career pathways for refugees coming to the United States and focusing on their prior experience to help them become financially self-sufficient.

Project RECAP (Refugee Education through Career and Academic Pathways) offers pathways to employment through credentialing and non-credit continuing education. Broward College will also work with local employers, industry associations, economic and community development organizations to provide participants with a clear pathway to meaningful employment.