Broward College Commits to Support Veterans

Broward College Commits to White House’s Efforts to Implement

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 13, 2013) – Broward College is one of the more than 250 community colleges and universities across the country implementing the Obama administration’s “8 Keys to Success” – an ongoing effort to foster postsecondary educational opportunities and improve employment outcomes for veterans.

The “8 Keys to Success” highlight specific ways that colleges and universities can support veterans as they pursue their education and employment goals. It aims to aid veterans in their effort to afford and complete their college degrees, certificates, industry-recognized credentials and licenses in preparation for jobs in high-growth sectors of the economy.

“We’re announcing what we call ‘8 Keys to Success’—specific steps that schools can take to truly welcome and encourage our veterans,” U.S. President Barack Obama said at a recent announcement of the initiative.

Broward College is designated as a Military Friendly Institution by G.I. Jobs and has made important investments throughout the years to provide educational opportunities for veterans. The college provides veterans affairs coordinators on each campus, as well as career counseling and advising.   

"This initiative allows Broward College to further support our veterans who have bravely served our country,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr. “We are committed to working with this special group of students and provide them with the resources to succeed in college and in their next career opportunity.”

The “8 Keys to Success” include the following:  

1. Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans;
2. Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership;
3. Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming;
4. Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size);
5. Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans;
6. Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention and degree completion;
7. Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans; and
8. Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

View the list of more than 250 community colleges and universities working to implement the 8 Keys to Success. Also check out the Obama Administrations new fact sheet on the Presidents commitment to the success of Veterans, service members and their families in higher education.