Broward College is making a major investment in South Florida's future workforce with the groundbreaking of a $46.1 million STEM and nursing facility at its North Campus in Coconut Creek.
The 52,000-square-foot Building 55 will expand the college's capacity to educate students in healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Scheduled to open in fall 2028, the facility will feature advanced laboratories, technology-driven learning spaces, and specialized resources designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.
The project reflects a broader effort to strengthen South Florida's talent pipeline as employers seek skilled professionals across healthcare, technology, and emerging industries.
"Today, as we put shovels in the ground, we are breaking ground on much more than a new physical structure," said Rabia Azhar, Acting President of Broward College. "We are laying the groundwork for the future of healthcare, innovation, and economic mobility across Broward County."
A New Hub for STEM, Healthcare, and Emerging Technologies
Building 55 will replace two aging campus buildings constructed in 1974 and 1988, introducing modern educational facilities designed to accommodate growing demand for technical and healthcare training. The facility will include 10 science laboratories, four dedicated nursing laboratories, a health assessment room, and a nursing classroom. A new Information Technology Hub will also feature a cybersecurity laboratory, an artificial intelligence laboratory, and a makerspace where students can gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Broward College's North Campus Science & Wellness Department offered 249 science course sections, including 188 for STEM majors, serving more than 2,500 students.
The new facility is expected to increase instructional capacity by approximately 30%, including three state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and a dedicated medical laboratory integrating clinical instruction into the curriculum. The expansion comes as employment in medical laboratories and STEM-related fields is projected to grow more than 10% through 2032, according to Broward College.
"What makes this project so vital is its direct link to our local economy," Azhar said. "The demand for highly skilled nurses, healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers, and tech leaders has never been greater."
Connecting Education to South Florida's Innovation Economy
Beyond expanding classroom space, Building 55 represents an investment in the infrastructure needed to support South Florida's evolving economy. The inclusion of AI, cybersecurity, and advanced laboratory facilities reflects the increasing overlap between traditional healthcare occupations and technology-driven industries. As hospitals, medical practices, and healthcare technology companies adopt new digital tools, demand continues to grow for professionals with both technical expertise and practical experience.
As previously explored in Venture Tech Chronicle's coverage of WHX Miami 2026, South Florida is gaining visibility as a center for medical technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital health innovation. Regional companies are contributing to that transformation. Boca Raton-based ModMed's recent leadership restructuring to accelerate AI growth illustrates how established healthcare technology companies are prioritizing artificial intelligence as part of their long-term strategies.
While Building 55 will serve students across multiple disciplines, its combination of healthcare and technology resources positions Broward College to help prepare talent for industries undergoing rapid change.
Additional $275K Investment Expands Healthcare Career Access
Just three days after the groundbreaking announcement, Broward College revealed another significant workforce development initiative: a $275,000 investment from the Lennar Foundation to expand healthcare training opportunities for 90 low-income students in 2027.
The funding will support students pursuing four healthcare career pathways: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
"This support is going to students seeking high demand careers," said Terry Mularkey, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the Broward College Foundation.
The initiative will provide scholarships and support services, including academic assistance, success coaching, and employment resources through a partnership with HANDY, Inc., a Broward County nonprofit.
Students will also have opportunities to connect with regional healthcare employers, including Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, with the program targeting an 85% job placement rate for completers. The college is also pursuing eligibility for Workforce Pell Grants to help sustain access to qualifying short-term training programs.
Together, the facility expansion and Lennar Foundation investment address two interconnected challenges: increasing educational capacity and making career training more accessible to students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
Investing in South Florida's Future Workforce
The $46.1 million Building 55 project is funded through a combination of state appropriations and local support. It was designed by Stratus, formerly Zyscovich, and is being constructed by CORE Construction.
The investment underscores the role higher education institutions play in regional economic development, particularly as South Florida continues to attract businesses and investment across healthcare, technology, and other specialized industries. For employers, expanded educational infrastructure can strengthen access to locally trained professionals. For students, modern laboratories and hands-on training create opportunities to develop skills aligned with changing workplace demands.
Dr. Ashley Meros, Chancellor for the Florida Department of Education's Division of Career and Adult Education, emphasized the project's potential impact on the community during the groundbreaking ceremony.
"Broward College has an extraordinary opportunity, not just because of the size and scope of the project, but the community it serves," Meros said. "What we build today has the potential to change lives for generations."
Serving more than 55,000 students annually, Broward College is positioned to play a significant role in developing the region's future workforce. With Building 55 expected to open in 2028 and new healthcare training opportunities beginning in 2027, the college's latest investments signal a coordinated effort to expand educational access, support emerging technologies, and connect South Florida residents with the careers shaping the region's economic future.
Broward College has broken ground on a $46.1 million STEM and nursing facility at its North Campus in Coconut Creek. Set to open in 2028, the 52,000-square-foot facility will expand healthcare, AI, cybersecurity, and science education, strengthening South Florida's workforce pipeline. The college also announced a $275,000 Lennar Foundation investment to support healthcare career training for 90 students.