THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Commission Value of “Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection”, Goal 4: Educate the public about the fragile South Florida ecosystems, impacts of severe weather, sea level rise, and climate change, with special emphasis on the coral reef ecosystem, the Value of “Cultivating community culture, arts, recreation and life-long learning”, Goal 2: Improve access to business development, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities and amenities to the economically disadvantaged, and the Value “Ensuring economic opportunities for Broward’s diverse population and businesses”, Goal 4: Utilize policies and strategies to create employment opportunities and supports for economically disadvantaged members of the community.
The Administrative Coordinator, PT-20 position, will coordinate and administer the new Junior Sustainability Stewards of Broward Program. The program and position will be funded by the 2017 Partners for Places grant award from Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities ($25,000), with matching funds from the Community Foundation of Broward ($25,000), totaling $50,000 in funds for the position and program (Exhibits 1 and 2). Resolution No. 2017-369 amended the budget to receive and appropriate these funds for the program to be managed by the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division (Exhibit 3).
The grant will support sustainability education and youth leadership in an afterschool program in the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD) with an opportunity for paid internships. The new Junior Sustainability Stewards of Broward Program will teach high school students science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, empower them to advocate for their neighborhoods and solve local environmental issues. This program will serve as a conduit to connect youth residing in a lower income community to a career path in environmental science. The Sustainability Stewards of Broward Program is a network of more than 500 sustainability professionals working in the region who will mentor and provide experiential learning and technical advice. Participants will produce scientific research and exhibits, ultimately competing for scholarships to work in science-based sustainable careers through paid internships. This grant initiative is a collaboration between the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, the Children's Services Council, the Community Foundation, Broward County Public Schools, Planning and Development Management Division and BMSD Internal Committee members, Parks and Recreation, and Grants Coordination.
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