Broward College Named Economic Development Partner of the Year by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Thursday, May 19, 2016) – Broward College was named the Economic Development Partner of the Year by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance at its 2016 Mid-Year Luncheon on Thursday, May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale.

"The relationship between higher education and economic development is paramount to the economic success of our community," said Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr. "I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Broward College, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration on initiatives that are making our economy one of the best in the state."

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Economic Development Partner of the Year award honors organizations that have demonstrated a major commitment to economic development in Broward County. Broward College was honored for its collaboration with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance on initiatives including aligning its curriculum with skills needed by targeted industry companies, including aviation and technology. Previous winners include the City of Miramar in 2015, and CareerSource Broward in 2014.

"Our community is extraordinarily fortunate to be home to a state college so focused on improving the economic vitality of the region," said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.  "Broward College is the very definition of an educational partner in economic development – the Alliance is grateful for the College's ongoing support and partnership."

Broward College consistently works to create opportunities for economic growth; its Innovation Hub mentors and nurtures budding entrepreneurs, the Internship Toolkit provides a step-by-step guide for companies to train and retain outstanding students in the local job market, and its Workforce Development team work closely with the business community to close the skills gap and provide a pipeline of workforce-ready graduates:

• According to forecasts from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUSVI), the economic impact of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is significant. In the United States, AUSVI predicts that more than 70,000 jobs will be created, with an economic impact of more than $13.6 billion. In response, Broward College launched a new, one-day, eight-hour ground and operations course titled "Flight of the Drones" as part of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drones Flight School. The new course will prepare students with the knowledge to pilot a drone, and provide hands-on piloting practice.
• The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance recently shared data revealing the aviation industry in Broward County is a multibillion-dollar sector, including airlines, general aviation, airports, airframes and engine manufacturers, component parts suppliers, and allied industries such as banking and insurance, and government agencies. Later this month, the College will break ground on its new aviation facility at North Perry Airport, doubling capacity in its Aviation Maintenance Management Associate of Science program and increasing the number of skilled aviation employees in South Florida.
• In today's competitive job market, companies have highlighted the need for more bachelor's degree options to advance in their careers. Beginning in August, the Business Express program will make it possible for working professionals to maintain their current work schedules and simultaneously earn a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree in supervision and management in only three years.

In a 2015 labor market study, Broward College graduates were among the highest earners in the state. Students not only met the demands of the job market, but also earned more than those completing the same degrees at other educational institutions, further confirming partnerships with the business community are a proven strategy towards employment and economic growth.

For more information on Broward College and its efforts in workforce development, business alignment, and internship collaboration please contact our Corporate and Continuing Education team at 954-201-7803 or visit http://bit.ly/1Xxxjcf.