LAUDERDALE LAKES: The City of Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers invited Broward College’s President, Gregory Haile, along with the Broward College Workforce and Economic Development team to the June 24, 2019 workshop to introduce the Broward Up Program that will promote and assist residents of Lauderdale Lakes in obtaining a viable education that would lead to better employment opportunities.
Broward College provides higher education, technical and occupational training for the residents of Broward County. The school has developed a framework of collaboration between Broward College and the City to establish opportunities that connect business and industry to education within the City of Lauderdale Lakes. The primary goals is to increase the college-going rate, increase education attainment levels, and increase economic mobility in the identified communities. Communities identified were based off of factors such as unemployment rates or people not in the labor force, households with a median income of $30,000 or less, and individuals with a high school diploma or less. Amongst the identified zip codes include 33309, 33311, 33313, 33319, 33023, and 33069. President Haile introduced the program with a historical tale of his life. He believes that education and real chances are important enough to be presented to all as a real opportunity. “I don't think that the most powerful tool available to those who seek to make a better life for themselves should appear before that individual by luck“, said Broward College President Gregory Haile.
Assistant City Manager, Treasa Brown Stubbs and Vielka Buchanan, the Economic Development strategist of Lauderdale Lakes has worked closely with the school to gather the information necessary to provide Lauderdale Lakes residents with the most sought after educational training through surveys, social media platforms and other types of community outreach. Broward College Representatives and City Staff have met to develop a proposed Scope of Services outlining educational opportunities for residents, businesses, and employees within the City of Lauderdale Lakes which will include hosting programs and services within City Facilities. A recommendation to approve the Memorandum of Understanding through a resolution will be brought forth at a future Commission Meeting incorporating any additional feedback and comments from the Mayor and Commission.
Mayor Hazelle Rogers said “Lauderdale Lakes continues its strong relationship with Broward College and look forward to executing the MOU for the Broward Up Program with a focus on zip codes with high unemployment. This is a long term commitment to educational opportunities and entrepreneurial gains in the community. It was certainly a very important visit by President Haile.”
President Haile finished his program introduction with, “Broward Up really is about how we make it impossible for people not to realize their opportunity. It’s about having the constant influence of post-secondary education in someone’s life—a child, as they grow up into adolescence, and certainly as they become adults and even seniors.”
For more information on this program, please contact Public Information at 954.535.2838.
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