In June 2018, a program was presented to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners called the gap scholarship program. Each year, approximately 800 students graduate from Broward County Public Schools but are unable to enroll at a post-secondary institution, even after receiving federal and/or state financial assistance, because there is still a gap between the cost of college and what they can afford to pay. The proposed program will provide funding (ranging between $500-$1,500) to fill in the affordability gap. The identified purpose of the program is as follows:
- Allow economically disadvantaged students to attend college by filling in the affordability gap after other financial assistance is applied
- Build a local pool of qualified workers
- Alleviate future burden on Broward County social services by increasing earning potential for Broward County residents
- Improve quality-of-life through access to education
NOTE: This program will not fully cover the cost of post-secondary education, nor is it intended to. The award program will only cover unmet financial need after an eligible student has already applied for and received federal and/or state financial assistance.
At its June 5, 2018, County Commission meeting (Item 76), the Broward County Board of County Commissioners approved a motion to direct staff to investigate how to implement a post-high school-secondary education pilot program. The pilot program, as proposed, would utilize County funds to provide “gap scholarships” to Broward County residents attending Broward College. Eligible recipients would be students who have applied for and received financial assistance from federal, state, and/or institutional sources, but who still have uncovered expenses.
Over the last year, Mayor Bogen and County staff have been working with Broward College executive staff to design the program. This item will allow the Board of County Commissioners to discuss the proposed pilot program.
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