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Foundation Story APR2008
 | At the Broward Community College Foundation’s Fourth Annual Heritage Society Luncheon, the 600 guests in attendance were so inspired by foundation’s “Investing in Broward’s Future” message that they stepped up to donate more than $530,000, including a $50,000 challenge grant from the Mellon Foundation. “Clearly, our message of changing lives and positively impacting our community touched the hearts of the guests in attendance,” said Lloyd Rhodes, board chair of the BCC Foundation and president of The Rhodes Insurance Group. “They heard firsthand how the BCC Foundation enables students to overcome financial hurdles and continue with their academic studies to build successful futures. Our guests recognized that their gifts weren’t about charity, but about community investment.” |
At the foundation, community investment translates into specific scholarship opportunities for hundreds of students each year. The facts tell the story: 71 percent of students enrolled at Broward Community College apply for financial aid, and while many qualify, more than 30 percent are not eligible because they are considered the “working poor,” those who make just over the federal cap to receive meaningful financial aid. That means a student who carries a 2.8 GPA in a family of four earning $40,000 a year is only eligible for $1,100 in aid. The maximum a student would receive is $4,310.
“The Broward Community College Foundation enables us to help these bright young students cover the cost of their education. These students, who would not otherwise have opportunities, now can create a future for themselves with our assistance,” said Nancy Botero, executive director of the BCC Foundation. “We champion those who dream of an education and a great future. That is what we believe in. That is our mission, our purpose and our passion.”
About the BCC Foundation
The BCC Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships annually to BCC students and supports academic programs and awards for outstanding faculty. While the State of Florida funds approximately 62 percent of BCC's operating budget, the balance must be raised from individuals, corporations and institutions.
The mission of the Broward Community College Foundation is to support the college by providing advocacy, community awareness and financial support to the college, its students, faculty and staff. Led by its Board of Directors, the foundation raises funds, conducts programs and practices stewardship that increases the effectiveness of the college in meeting community, student, faculty and staff needs.
For more information or to make a contribution to the foundation, please call 954‐201‐7414.
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