Foster Care and Homeless Youth Support

Broward College offers liaisons that provide support to homeless youth under the McKinney-Vento Act and students who have been in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) also known as Foster Care youth. There is a liaison at each of our three main campuses. These liaisons can answer questions, connect students to key resources, and advocate for the students while they are attending Broward College.

To reach your campus liaison please contact

Central Campus
3501 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314

Lorin Levins
Manager, Student Services
954-201-2957
llevins@broward.edu

North Campus
1000 Coconut Creek Pkwy.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

Melanie Gnaizda-Gilson
Manager, Student Services
954-201-2310
mgnaizda@broward.edu

South Campus
7200 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Cynthia Brelsford
Manager, Student Services
954-201-8324
cbrelsfo@broward.edu

Foster Care Youth
Tuition and Fee Exemptions are available to students receiving or formerly receiving service from the Department of Children's 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 by 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-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 in meeting 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 (PDF)

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 exclusively for DCF students.

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

Have Questions?

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