Foster Care and Homeless Youth Support

Broward College offers liaisons that support students who have been in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) also known as Foster Care youth.  Additionally, they provide support to homeless youth under the McKinney-Vento Act. These liaisons are a dedicated team that can answer questions, connect you to key resources and offer support while students are attending Broward College.  To reach a liaison and start receiving support please contact the office of Seahawk Outreach Services (SOS):  sos@broward.edu | 954-201-4SOS (4767) | www.broward.edu/sos

Foster Care Youth
Tuition and Fee Exemptions are available to students receiving or formerly receiving service from the Department of Children Families services if they meet the following criteria:

  • They are or were at the time of reaching 18 years of age, in out-of-home care.
  • They were adopted from the Department of Children and Families after May 5, 1997.
  • They are, or were at the time of reaching 18 years of age, placed in the custody of a relative or non‑relative under s. 39.5085, s. 39.6221, or s. 39.6225, F.S.
  • They are reunified with their parents after spending at least 18 months in out-of-home care after reaching 14 years of age, including a reunification pursuant to s. 39.8155, F.S.
Homeless Youth
Tuition and Fee Exemptions are available to students who were provided a letter or card under the McKinney-Vento Act. This documentation allows our institution to consider a student eligible until otherwise conflicting information is received.

Get started here

STEPS TO STARTING COLLEGE AT BROWARD COLLEGE

Choose your student type.

Apply to Broward College

As a DCF Waiver or McKinney-Vento (H.E.A.R.T.) eligible student, your tuition is exempt, and you may be eligible for additional financial resources as a Florida Resident. Submit your paperwork via the Florida Resident form. This will provide you with your tuition exemption, application fee waiver, and Florida Residency.

Determine if you are required to take a placement test.

You must submit official transcripts for high school, and all colleges and universities attended. The transcript(s) should show that there is no coursework in progress. Contact the previous institution(s) you attended to request your official transcript be sent electronically to Broward College (school code 001500). A student who is claiming that home school graduation requirements should submit the Home School Completion Affidavit.

You should apply for financial aid even if you think you don't qualify. Many forms of financial support require a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.

Additional Financial Support:

AOK Scholars 
AOK Scholars recognizes promising and motivated students who have already overcome extraordinary life challenges, such as aging-out of foster care programs or homelessness. AOK Scholars assists participants to meet their post-secondary education goals with regular reviews of their academic progress, budget, and financial needs. AOK is not a scholarship, but it provides the elements crucial to the success of each individual through coaching and financial support resources.

EEQUAL Scholarships Awards Program 
The EEqual Scholarship Awards Program is designed to support students experiencing homelessness or housing instability (as defined under the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (MV).

All new Broward College students, except Transients, Non-degree seeking, and Continuing Education must complete our new online orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Florida law, some students who were in DCF custody, adopted, in a relative’s custody or placed in court guardianship may be exempted from paying tuition and fees at Florida College System institutions.

Source: DCF Fee Exemptions

This exemption covers tuition and fees only. This means that you will be required to pay other costs associated with college, such as textbooks, housing and food.

No, application fees are waived for DCF and homeless students.

Additional resources to include Academic, Mentoring support, to ensure student success are available through our Seahawk Outreach Services Department.

Have Questions?


Remote and limited in-person student services are available.

Ways to Contact Us