Offering continuous support for students inside and outside the classroom is critical to their success in college. These needs can vary from additional academic instruction such as tutoring to personal challenges such as food insecurity. Our data shows that many of these challenges facing students have been exacerbated by the pandemic. In response, Broward College has several initiatives in place to help address them. From weekly food drives, a laptop loaner program, and the Seahawk Outreach Services—a one-stop-shop for students to get assistance with issues such as homelessness, mental health, and finances. To maintain this support and help students persevere on their academic path, the College has received aid from several community partners and donors.

The list has included food supplies from LifeNet4Families, grant funding from Florida Blue to assist with establishing food pantries, and one million cloth face masks from American Textile and Apparel. Recently, another organization, IMC Health, has stepped in to help with another need facing students, hygiene products. IMC Health provided 150 bags containing shampoo, conditioner, wipes, disinfectants, and giveaway items for the upcoming hygiene drives on the College's main campuses. These drives, during which students also receive selected food items, rotate among each of the three main campuses every week.

"We are proud to be part of Broward College's mission to support students not only by investing in their education but by helping them outside the classroom as well," said Carolina Veira, director of Community and Corporate Partnerships at IMC. "We hope our donation of essential care items will give some relief to the students who are working hard to juggle the effects of the pandemic with their educational career."

A Strong Community

In addition to IMC's donation, Publix also donated $5,000, which has been used to purchase additional toiletry items for the upcoming drives.

"The College cannot go at it alone, so we rely on donors to help our students and alleviate their needs," says Dr. Amoy Reid, associate dean, Academic Affairs. "These partnerships that we forge not only secure donation items for the students but it's also making our students aware of the services and resources these organizations have available to them."

Students, staff, faculty, and the public can also donate items to be delivered during the drives. An Amazon wish list has been set up for those who wish to collaborate. In addition, students can also access a comfort closet located on the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, Building 1, room 124. Food and hygiene items and readily available there at any time.

The food and hygiene drives are open to any currently enrolled student. Students must complete the request form available at broward.edu/sos.