FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 23, 2020) – Broward UP, the College’s community-oriented approach to providing Broward County residents with more opportunities for post-secondary education and access to in-demand careers, is celebrating another landmark agreement. This week, the City of Miramar became the eighth municipal partner to join Broward UP since its launch in 2018.   

The Memorandum of Understanding, approved by the City of Miramar Commission on June 17, allows Broward College to provide direct support to residents through design and delivery of: 

  • Workshops on financial literacy, career development, and college readiness 
  • On-site and remote programs and certifications  
  • Entrepreneurial programming 
  • Access strategy for City of Miramar employees to obtain Broward College degrees 


“Miramar is excited about the amazing opportunity to provide access to higher learning to our residents most in need,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. “The skills gained through Broward UP will not only change lives but will increase the earning potential of our residents, improving the quality of life for themselves and their families.” 

Broward UP, the UP meaning “unlimited potential,” is aimed at improving the lives of residents in Broward County zip codes with the highest unemployment and lowest education levels. Pre-COVID-19, Broward County’s unemployment rate was approximately three percent; however, it soared to more than 10 percent in some cities. Since the pandemic began, county-wide unemployment has risen to over 14 percent, with the most vulnerable populations being the hardest hit.  Within the last year and a half, Broward College has dedicated itself to goals of increasing college access and attendance, improving degree and certificate attainment, and holistically raising social and economic mobility across the County. Given the current climate, these goals are even more relevant, and the College remains committed to serving the County.  

By providing non-credit, certificate-based courses online and in selected neighborhoods at no cost to residents, the College has removed obstacles to education such as lack of transportation, the expense of college tuition, and technology. Partner locations offer courses that allow residents to increase their skills for the workforce, including certificates for Microsoft Office, Data Analysis, QuickBooks, Lean Six Sigma, and Project Management, as well as industry certifications in Healthcare, Supply Chain Management, and Information Technology.  

“I want to commend Mayor Messam and the leaders of the City of Miramar for prioritizing the educational needs of their residents, and providing their residents with the support and resources needed  to overcome obstacles to post-secondary education,” said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D. “Higher education opportunity should have no boundaries, and with the help of all those who have joined this movement, we are changing the lives of individuals and their families for generations to come.”  

The City of Miramar joins the cities of Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, West Park, Lauderhill,  Tamarac, and North Lauderdale 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,  the FLITE Center, and Hispanic Unity.   

-BC- 

About Broward College: 
Serving more than 63,000 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