Navigating Education for Student Transition
The Seahawk NEST (Navigating Education for Student Transition) Academy is a three-year post-secondary program designed to prepare students with intellectual disabilities for employment. The Seahawk NEST Academy is an approved Florida Post-Secondary Comprehensive Transition Program.
Students in the Seahawk NEST Academy are empowered to become independent in self-advocacy and life skills. Upon completion of the program, students will earn the Broward College Certificate of Professional Services.
Program Overview
- Three-year classroom-to-career program available on North and South Campuses
- An individualized career plan that includes academic, employment, and occupational goals
- Courses for audit or credit in five different designated Broward College Pathways
- Seminar workshops covering social soft and self-determination skills
- Internships and workshops are included to help obtain employment
- Broward College Certificate of Professional Services upon completion
- Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular campus activities
- FPCTP scholarships are available to all Seahawk NEST students
- Space is limited; admittance is based on the completed NEST application
BENEFITS
Independent Living and Self-Advocacy
In year one, Seahawk NEST students will enroll in Broward College foundation courses which focus on critical domains of adult living, such as daily living skills, self- determination, interpersonal skills and employment skills.
Program Certification
Upon the completion of the three-year Seahawk NEST Academy, students will receive a Broward College Certificate of Professional Services. Seahawk NEST students will earn micro-credentials established by Florida Ready To Work, to address important soft skills that are necessary for job success.
Employment
In year three, Seahawk NEST students receive on the job training, soft skills training and resume building, to be prepared to find sustainable and meaningful employment.
Skill Attainment
Students will develop an individualized career plan to include academic, employment, and occupational goals. Based on career goals, students will complete program courses in their designated Pathway program.
Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design (AHCD)
Graphic Design: Graphic Design Support
Business
Office Management/Office Support
Business
Hospitality and Tourism Management/Guest Services Specialist
STUDENT SUPPORT NETWORK
The academic coordinator will work with students to develop individualized student career plans, identify career goals and develop strategies to meet those goals.
Student Support Specialist will support students in courses, tutoring and internships. Peer Facilitators will attend class, study with, and partake in social activities with the Seahawk NEST Students.
Broward College faculty and staff are committed to ensuring the students in the Seahawk NEST Academy have the tools necessary to gain meaningful employment.
Students will create their own support network, by engaging in social and extracurricular activities on campus and attending classes with other BC students.
Steps to Apply for the Seahawk NEST Academy
Applications open January 6, 2026 for 2026
Applications close April 24, 2026
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- At least 18 years old
- Must possess a high school degree or equivalency
- Must have a documented intellectual disability
Step 1. Please ensure you have completed the Broward College application before you complete the Seahawk NEST Academy application. When completing the Broward College application, choose Non-Degree Seeking (the very beginning of application), Do Not choose a specific pathway.
Step 2. Once you have completed the Broward College application and received log in credentials please use this link to complete the Seahawk NEST Academy application.
Step 3. Complete the Adaptive Skills Survey. Three people will need to complete this step for the applicant.
The following people need to use the link above to complete the adaptive skills regarding the applicant.
- Applicant
- Parent/Guardian/Someone who lives with applicant
- Non-family member who has worked with applicant
Step 4. The applicant must have 2 non-family members complete the Reference Form. Use this link to share and complete the Reference Form.
Your application is considered incomplete until all required documentation is received. Required documentation to be mailed to:
Broward College North Campus
Attn: Seahawk NEST Academy
Building 46 | Room 209
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
Documentation to verify eligibility: Three pieces of documentation are required to verify a potential student's eligibility for the program.
- Documentation of an Intellectual disability
- The most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP) listed diagnosis on IEP
- Most recent psychological, educational, and/or employment evaluation. May be obtained from the cumulative file from the school evaluation report. Or may work with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and can access an employment evaluation from the case manager.
- Documentation to verify graduation:
- A student may have a standard diploma with access points or GED
- Must provide a copy of the transcript to indicate they have completed high school.
Once you have completed the above steps, your application will be reviewed and a team member from the Seahawk NEST Academy will be in contact with you if you qualify for the next steps.
Please contact us with any questions by emailing seahawknest@broward.edu , if you need assistance or accommodations in completing the application process.
CONTACT US
Director, Seahawk NEST
954-201-2065