Community colleges were designed to increase access to educational opportunities by removing geographic and economic barriers for all in the community. We self-audited and recognized that despite all we have accomplished, we remained inaccessible and unaffordable to many, therefore not fulfilling our purpose.

Three years ago, we launched Broward UP™ and committed to improve economic mobility in our most challenged communities. We set out to do this by expanding the college’s service model into six zip codes, representing more than one third of Broward’s cities with the highest unemployment and lowest education attainment rates. This gift comes at a pivotal moment when we have made significant strides in our work through enhanced partnerships with community agencies, municipalities, and employers, and when Florida TaxWatch, the Aspen Institute, the Florida Chamber, Achieving the Dream, and other independent parties have acknowledged the value of the Broward UP model. With these resources, we can accomplish two goals: Broward UP will exist in perpetuity, and Broward College will strengthen its support of additional cities throughout Broward County. In short, the promise we made has been fortified, and we will expand upon it.

This gift is a sign of trust and validation of our direction, and of the promising work that lies ahead for us and all our partners. Together we can build a better Broward. We began this important work with limited investment, and now, we are well on our way to achieving our bold objectives. It is our hope that this gift will inspire others to join us in raising Broward County’s post-secondary education attainment and economic mobility for all.

We send a tremendous thank you to MacKenzie Scott for this gift that will create economic mobility in Broward County for generations to come.