Broward College Partners with City of North Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 1, 2020) – Broward College is partnering with the City of North Lauderdale to improve access to higher education degrees and certifications to residents and city employees through its community-centric approach, Broward UP. Even amid the current COVID-19 crisis, Broward UP, the UP meaning “unlimited potential,” continues efforts to improve the lives of residents in Broward County zip codes with disproportionately high unemployment rates, low education attainment, and low household income. Notably, the City of North Lauderdale borders three existing Broward UP communities and shares a joint Chamber of Commerce with the City of Tamarac.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), approved by the City of North Lauderdale Commission on April 28, resulted in the College providing direct support to residents and city employees through the design and delivery of:

  • Workshops on financial literacy, career development, and college readiness
  • On-site programs and certifications
  • Entrepreneurial programming
  • Access strategy for City of North Lauderdale employees to obtain Broward College degrees
  • Employment partnerships with local businesses

“Our vision for North Lauderdale is to create a vibrant and flourishing community,” said City of North Lauderdale Mayor Ana M. Ziade. “This partnership will allow our residents to receive access to higher education and career training. There’s no limit to their successes if we come together as a community to help.”

Broward UP was developed and launched by the College in 2018, to increase education access and attainment levels across Broward County and improve residents' quality of life. Data up to early 2020 showed that while Broward County’s unemployment rate averaged around three percent, it soared to more than 10 percent in some cities. As a result, Broward UP adopted three goals specifically designed to impact these communities: increase college access and attendance; improve degree and certificate attainment; and holistically raise social and economic mobility.

“We are thrilled to be working with the City of North Lauderdale, and we look forward to extending Broward UP to meet the needs of the city’s residents,” said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D. “It is inspiring to see the communities come together to offer programs that will create new academic and professional growth opportunities for Broward County residents.”

To assist residents during the pandemic, Broward UP has redesigned courses for both instructor-led remote learning and self-paced online course delivery. Scholarships for qualified residents will remain available for courses leading to high-demand healthcare careers, including medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician, EKG technician, dialysis technician, and clinical medical assistant. Broward UP case managers are guiding residents seeking new opportunities, providing support information associated with food insecurity, healthcare, and technological needs.

The City of North Lauderdale joins the cities of Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, West Park, Lauderhill, and Tamarac as Broward UP municipal partners. 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, Broward County Libraries, HANDY, Pace Center for Girls, and the FLITE Center.

ABOUT BROWARD COLLEGE

Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.

Broward UP