The Community Foundation of Broward recently awarded Florida Atlantic University with a $200,000 grant for an innovative project to support Broward residents in completing their degree programs. “Crossing the Stage: Advancing Social and Economic Mobility through Degree Completion” is a two-year pilot project that will operate as part of the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program.
Considered a community-focused initiative, the pilot project recognizes the challenges Broward County students face, such as balancing work and family responsibilities, managing time constraints and limited financial resources, and overcoming self-doubt as an adult learner. By addressing these needs, Florida Atlantic aims to transform the educational landscape for those who previously paused their academic journey. These students will receive personalized advising and a tailored pathway to complete their bachelor’s degree. The goal is to provide those who may have faced previous educational obstacles with tools that encourage a growth mindset in the classroom to propel their career success.
“The scholarships within the Community Foundation of Broward’s pilot program are essential to eliminating financial barriers and empowering returning students from vulnerable populations to pursue their dream of earning a bachelor’s degree,” said Linda Johnson, associate vice president for academic affairs for Florida Atlantic’s Broward campuses.
Florida Atlantic’s Broward campuses uniquely serve students who are further along in their educational studies, offering smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty and a collaborative environment. The BPS program, housed on the Davie campus, focuses on career advancement and workforce development through degree completion. BPS provides working adults with course flexibility and emphasizes high-demand workforce skills in management, leadership, technology, and communication. Consisting of a professional studies core and interdisciplinary approach, BPS students can customize their curriculum, allowing them to select courses that advance their current career trajectory or help them pivot to a new career field.
This distinctive approach is a cornerstone of the new pilot project and is expected to significantly increase the number of students reaching degree completion. Since its inception in 2022, the BPS program has reached 80% of its enrollment goal. The grant will springboard student enrollment, helping to reduce the financial constraints of degree completion.
However, the pilot project is not just about degrees; it’s also about creating a skilled workforce that drives local progress. Florida Atlantic is aligning educational programs on its Broward campuses to meet the needs of the community, so its students are equipped with practical skills and industry connections. With a strong foundation for achieving career success, these graduates can contribute to the region’s economic growth and vitality. Fulfilling a valuable need, this generous grant will help more students cross the stage, receive their diploma, and embark on a path toward economic and social mobility.
This generous support has been provided by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Drial Foundation Fund, Francis J. Crowley Fund, Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Funding several initiatives at Florida Atlantic, the Community Foundation of Broward previously awarded grants for mental health, STEM education, nursing education, environmental resilience, and other programs.
