Broward College’s First-generation Students Say “I CAN”

Broward College is a modern and innovative educational institution that focuses on affordability, excellence, and a direct pathway to career readiness. Our students choose from over 145 programs including bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and certificates through online, on-campus, or weekend courses. The college’s inaugural first-generation “I Can” campaign further evidenced our commitment to student success. The campaign consisted of a student-centered celebration to honor first-generation students at the college. The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center’s mobile unit was utilized as an integral part of the campaign.

During the campaign, each person recorded their “I Can” videos, sharing a quick testimony of a meaningful accomplishment and/or challenges they have overcome. Each person began their story with “I Can…,” inserting an accomplishment they wished to share. Additionally, as part of the celebration, each person signed a display honoring the commitment to first-generation students at Broward College. The interactive video of the celebration, photos, and display will be made available in classrooms, computer labs in the library, the community-serving mobile unit, Student Life offices, admissions and financial aid offices, as well as other public places where first-generation students can view and be inspired by the significant investment in and voices of first-generation students and staff.

Staff from the college's IT department will edit the individual recordings into a series of professional promotional videos for first-generation students. The videos will also be used through the college's BrowardUP (UP stands for unlimited potential) movement to promote post-secondary education in communities with high poverty and low educational attainment within Broward County. BrowardUP focuses on impact zones with disproportionately high unemployment rates, low educational attainment, and low household income levels. 

Many of the BrowardUP zones encompass the first-generation students served by the college. Because of the generous support provided by the Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), we are proud to further convey Broward College’s commitment to letting students affirm their ability to succeed through the “I Can” campaign.