FORT LAUDERDALE — Broward College has announced plans to increase its presence in Broward County by opening a new center in Oakland Park designed to expand program offerings with an emphasis in culinary arts, design and business, in addition to other general education offerings.

Officials said the new center, proposed to open in the 2014-15 academic year, is part of the college’s strategic plan to increase its collaboration with industry partners to advance student success. It is projected that the new center will increase enrollment and expand offerings to an area under-represented by institutions of higher learning.

Through a public/private partnership with the city of Oakland Park, plans are for the nearly 50,000-square-foot building located in the Oakland Park Culinary Arts District to include space for a professional kitchen, classrooms and office space, 28 residential units intended for student art studios or housing, as well as outdoor space for events and activities.

The college currently offers associate of science degrees in hospitality and tourism management, culinary arts management, and graphic design, as well as technical certificates in food and beverage management, and graphic design production.

In addition, Broward College will offer a 12-credit entrepreneur certificate, which will be built into the curriculum and prepare students with additional skills to start and manage their own businesses.

“Broward College is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our students,” said Dr. Mercedes Quiroga, A. Hugh Adams Central Campus president. “Opening a new center in Oakland Park and collaborating with industry professionals provides our students additional opportunities to further their education and careers.”

In addition, Broward College President J. David Armstrong Jr., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to promote academic collaboration and exchange between the college and Shanghai Second Polytechnic University (SSPU) in China.

The MOU also calls for collaboration among the faculty and students of both institutions. Officials called the agreement a major milestone in Broward College’s mission to provide accessible high-quality education globally. Through the MOU, the Broward College Center in Shanghai will provide an American education experience to Chinese students with the intent to train highly sophisticated workers to meet the world’s leading manufacturing industry needs.

“Broward College is evolving globally, and our joint efforts to create a presence in Shanghai emerge from the core values we share that are grounded in higher education,” said President Armstrong. “Through this academic collaboration, Broward College and Shanghai Second Polytechnic University will be able to connect both faculty and students with great educational opportunities.”

For more information on the Oakland Park Center or the MOU contact 954-201-7510 or tdavid@broward.edu