Broward County Housing Authority Joins Broward College in Expanding Postsecondary Education Opportunities to Local Residents

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 20, 2019) – Earlier today, Broward College officially signed an agreement with the Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA), one of the County's leading community service providers, to improve postsecondary education access and completion for residents. This partnership is the latest development from Broward UP^TM, the community-centric approach launched by the College to increase education and training opportunities and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents in Broward County.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved by the BCHA Board of Commissioners during their monthly meeting. BCHA will work with Broward College to:

• Establish access strategies to higher education for BCHA clients and employees
• Design and deliver on-site workshops so BCHA clients can receive more information about college and career opportunities
• Provide additional classroom and resource spaces that Broward College can use to conduct academic programs and provide informational materials to BCHA clients and employees

"Through strategic Broward UP partnerships, we are working to increase the success and well-being of our residents," said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. "This partnership with BCHA allows us to connect thousands of residents who want to improve their social circumstances, particularly housing, to postsecondary educational opportunities. Together we are leveraging our collective resources to improve access to college and career opportunities, and ultimately, the quality of life for residents who need this specific support."

Broward UP, the UP meaning "unlimited potential," is aimed at improving the lives of residents in Broward County, focused primarily in zip codes with the highest unemployment and lowest education levels. While Broward County's unemployment rate is approximately 3.3 percent, it soars to more than ten percent in some cities.  In response to this disparity, Broward UP has adopted three goals: increase college access; improve degree and certificate attainment and holistically raise social and economic mobility. 

Established in 1969, BCHA serves more than 20,000 residents daily and is dedicated to creating, providing, and increasing affordable housing opportunities to Broward County residents. BCHA assists residents through its many options including leasing, management, and maintenance of a BCHA owned portfolio of housing, administration of various rental subsidy programs, provision of professional counseling services to homeowners and prospective owners, or contract management of affordable housing properties.

"We are very thrilled to be a part of the community collaborative to support the Broward UP movement," said Ann Deibert, chief executive officer of Broward County Housing Authority.  "Broward UP will provide the families we serve with access to educational opportunities and attainment that can increase their economic mobility. Bringing these resources into the community is an innovative strategy to provide opportunities to individuals who may not have access to educational institutions."

This is the latest partnership agreement signed with a local organization to strengthen Broward UP.  Earlier this year, the College signed partnership agreements with the Jack and Jill Children's Center, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and Broward County Libraries. These organizations will also coordinate with the College on aiding Broward UP communities through the designation of community spaces for courses and workshops, and the coordination of visits to the College for their employees and clients.  The College is also partnering with Broward County Public Schools, Opportunity Insights, and Prosperity Broward, which includes the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, OIC of South Florida and Career Source Broward.