HAPB and FAMU Sign Historic Partnership Opening a Pathway From Housing to a College Degree

Leaders, elected officials, and families mark a historic commitment to educational and economic opportunity with Pompano Beach Pathways opportunity

POMPANO BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, September 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Housing Authority of Pompano Beach (HAPB) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) signed the historic Pompano Beach Pathways partnership creating a pathway from stable housing to a college degree. The agreement is designed so eligible HAPB students can attend FAMU with little to no out-of-pocket tuition by combining Pell Grants, Bright Futures, FAMU Ignite, and HAPB's last-dollar scholarship support.

“Education has the power to transform not only the life of a student, but the trajectory of an entire family and community. This partnership with the Housing Authority of Pompano Beach represents what is possible when we intentionally remove barriers and create a clear pathway to opportunity,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “By connecting students with access to FAMU, financial support and the resources they need to persist and graduate, we are investing in their potential and helping to build a stronger economic future. We are proud to partner with HAPB on a model that can expand access to higher education, promote economic mobility and help break cycles of generational poverty.”

The ceremonial signing was held at Provident Place with FAMU President Johnson, HAPB Executive Director Lennard Robinson, and HAPB Board Chairman the Honorable Whitney Rawls, before an audience of students, families, community partners, and elected officials.

The morning's program featured an invocation by Florida State Senator the Honorable Rosalind Osgood, a proclamation from Pompano Beach Mayor the Honorable Rex Hardin recognizing the partnership, and remarks from the Honorable Sarah Leonardi, Chairwoman of the School Board of Broward County.

“This partnership with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University represents more than an agreement between two institutions. It reflects a shared vision — one that connects education with opportunity and gives our residents greater access to the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build stronger futures with potentially strong economic outcomes.” said Whitney Rawls, Board of Commissioners Chair, HAPB.

The signing marks the education chapter of HAPB's Housing360 initiative, a holistic approach to ending generational poverty that connects stable housing to education, workforce development, careers, and, ultimately, homeownership and economic mobility.

Families can learn more about program eligibility and next steps by contacting the Housing Authority of Pompano Beach.

Media Contact:
Sophia Nelson | (561) 531-1876 | press@sanelson.co

Alonda Thomas | (850) 561-2810 | Alonda.Thomas@FAMU.edu

About the Housing Authority of Pompano Beach
The Housing Authority of Pompano Beach (HAPB) provides affordable housing and supportive services to eligible families, seniors, and individuals while working collaboratively to build stronger, more resilient communities. For more information about the Housing Authority of Pompano Beach, visit hapb.org.

About Florida A&M University
Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is Florida's only public Black university and an 1890 land-grant institution. A doctoral research university, FAMU offers more than 50 graduate degree programs and 12 doctoral degrees across engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, public health, environmental science, education, and the sciences.

Sophia Nelson
Housing Authority of Pompano Beach
+1 954-785-7200
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