Broward College Awarded $200,000 Grant from Bank of America to Expand Broward UP

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla (Nov. 25, 2019) – Residents across Broward County will have access to more postsecondary classes and training offered through Broward UP. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from Bank of America's 2019 Neighborhood Builders® grant program, the expanded classes will be provided at no cost and available in municipalities and other locations that have partnered with the College under Broward UP. Broward College is one of 98 organizations recognized as a 2019 Neighborhood Builder, which empowers nonprofit leaders to address their communities' needs by providing funding and leadership support to expand their efforts. 

Broward UP, the UP meaning "unlimited potential," is a community-centric approach developed by Broward College to raise education access and attainment levels, and to drive social mobility and economic development in Broward County zip codes with high unemployment and low postsecondary education attainment levels. While Broward County's current unemployment rate is 2.8 percent, it soars to more than 10 percent in some cities. In response to this disparity, the College has adopted three goals under Broward UP: increase college access and attendance; improve degree and certificate attainment, and holistically raise social and economic mobility. 

Since its launch last year, Broward UP has established strategic partnerships with municipalities identified to offer direct support through training opportunities within the cities. Municipalities that have signed MOUs for Broward UP include the cities of Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, West Park, and Hollywood. Additional Broward, UP community partners, include the Urban League, Broward County Housing Authority, Jack and Jill Children's Center, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, the YMCA, and Broward County Libraries. 

Through the grant funding, Broward College will expand its education and training options, as well as strengthen its volunteer and community engagement activities. "We are thrilled to be counted among the 2019 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders. Thanks to Bank of America for providing resources that will help fuel the work of Broward UP and Broward College," said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. "This award exemplifies Bank of America's belief in our Broward UP communities and the transformative power of a Broward College education."

"Bank of America recognizes that access to quality education is a key driver of economic mobility and quality of life," said Lori Chevy, Broward County market president for Bank of America. "Broward UP was chosen as a Neighborhood Builder this year because they are making a significant difference in the lives of Broward County residents who need our support in gaining access to education."

In addition to the grant funding, Neighborhood Builders provides the awarded organizations with the chance to participate in its Leadership Program. Dr. Mildred Coyne, senior vice president of Workforce Education and Innovation at Broward College and Julia Philyaw, associate vice president of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, will participate in the program. 

The Neighborhood Builders' Leadership Program will take place in 2020, and the grant funding is scheduled for distribution between 2019 and 2020.