South broward high school

9 feet above sea level

South Broward High School became one of the participating schools in Broward County to join the ‘Underwater: Broward’ initiative. With its campus sitting at just 9 feet above sea level in Hollywood, the school now hosts a powerful elevation mural by artist Xavier Cortada, transforming a simple number into a conversation starter and a call to action for climate awareness.

As a school serving over 2,000 students with specialized programs including a Marine Magnet Program dedicated to environmental stewardship for coral reefs, sharks, and our oceans, South Broward High was uniquely positioned to embrace this climate education initiative. The Bulldogs’ commitment to exposing students to maritime careers and ocean conservation made the Underwater project a natural extension of their environmental mission. Additionally, the school’s iCAN Magnet Program, which emphasizes project-based learning and real-world industry connections, provided an ideal framework for students to engage with climate science and community action.

Interactive Climate Assembly

The Cortada Foundation led a dynamic, school-wide assembly where students explored how sea level rise is impacting their community—and how they can take action. During the session, students created personalized Underwater elevation yard signs, each one reflecting the elevation of their own home and helping spark critical conversations with friends, families, and neighbors.

Activating Awareness

To further support student participation and excitement, we distributed:

  • Underwater T-shirts to students who asked or answered questions during the assembly

  • “HELLO my elevation is” stickers for students to personalize and wear proudly

  • Elevation Cards with QR codes linking to tools for finding home elevation and learning more about sea level rise

By integrating public art, science education, and community engagement, The Underwater project helped South Broward High School’s students, and the surrounding Hollywood Lakes, Parkside, and North Central communities, see their role in shaping a more resilient future, starting right at home.