With more than 90% of graduates remaining in the state, working or continuing their educational journey, the Florida College System is the top workforce education provider in the state. At Broward College, we’re focused on demonstrating the value we deliver to our students, employers and the broader community.
A recent economic impact study conducted by Lightcast shows that in 2023–24, Broward College generated $2.4 billion in economic impact, supporting 25,621 jobs in Broward County, up from $1.7 billion in 2020. To put the scale of that contribution in perspective: One out of every 59 jobs in Broward County is supported by Broward College, our students and our 80,000 alumni.
Torey Alston is the president and CEO of Broward College. (courtesy, Broward College, photography by Downtown Photo)
State investments have further amplified our focus on high-demand programs. Last year, the Florida Legislature provided a $7.7 million investment into a future state-of-the-art facility for health sciences, nursing, artificial intelligence and engineering. During the current legislative session, we are working with legislative leaders to secure additional investments for our students to ensure our campus infrastructure offers the innovation and excellence required to compete in a 21st-century global economy.
These state funds aren’t just building walls; they are building futures. We are pioneering programs like the new associate degree in applied artificial intelligence and maintaining elite training environments such as our Health Sciences Simulation Center and advanced aviation simulation labs. Our national standing reflects this momentum, as Broward College was recently announced as one of the top 200 colleges nationwide, eligible to compete for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2027. This recognition is only awarded to institutions that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes in learning, graduation, and post-college employment.
We view our mission through a “triple return” lens — measuring success by how we serve the individual, the taxpayer and the local labor market. While the numbers are vast, the true “Broward Dividend” is found in the individual lives we transform.
For the Student: Each dollar a student invests in their education here, they receive $5.50 in higher lifetime earnings — an average annual return of 19.3%.
For our Alumni: Our alumni generate $1.7 billion in local income each year. That is the equivalent of hosting five Super Bowls here in our county. These are your nurses, aviation technicians, business and information technology analysts, and your hospitality managers.
For the Taxpayer: Public investment pays off. For every dollar of taxpayer funding invested in Broward College, Florida receives $2.80 in returns through higher tax revenues and reduced public service costs.
I have a bold vision for Broward College to become the top destination for academic excellence in our region. We strive to be the first choice for all graduating high school seniors, adult learners seeking new horizons, and professionals transitioning between careers. Part of that excellence includes serving those who served us; I am incredibly proud to announce that Broward College has been designated as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus for the first time ever, recognizing our unwavering commitment to our military-connected students and their families.
Under the direction of our Board of Trustees, we are leaning into a culture of excellence and outcomes.Our dental hygiene, respiratory care, vision care and police academy programs all recently achieved 100% first-time pass rates on their respective licensing exams. Enrollment is up 5% and the number of credentials is up 3%, compared to a year ago.
I salute our students, faculty, staff and community partners who have all contributed to these outcomes. Thanks to the continuous investment from Gov. DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and the Commissioner of Education, Broward College continues to deliver high-quality, affordable programs that lift graduate earnings, strengthen the workforce, and fuel the Broward economy.
A Broward County native, Torey Alston is the eighth president and CEO of Broward College.