In February, Miami Dade College (MDC) announced an expansion of its educational offerings with a total $15 million investment to support programs in applied artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and emerging technologies.
Through this initiative, MDC will be the first college to implement an AI course in its curriculum. MDC will also build an AI Center to foster experiential learning and collaboration between industry and academia, which will join existing MDC technology centers focused on animation and gaming, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
The $15 million investment comprises a $7 million grant from Knight Foundation, a $5 million contribution from Miami-Dade County, $2 million from the City of Miami, and $1 million from the Miami DDA.
“MDC has been the higher education leader in the South Florida community for 62 years, helping to build and elevate our city from within,” said MDC President and alumna Madeline Pumariega. “With these historic investments and support from key partners, we are expanding that mission, preparing students for top jobs in emerging and growing technology careers, helping residents upskill to attain economic mobility, and driving the growth of businesses in South Florida while fueling local talent for the jobs of tomorrow, today.”
Over the past five years, MDC’s School of Engineering and Technology (EnTec) has garnered the attention and support of industry leaders in emerging technologies, including IBM, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Oracle.
Since 2017, enrollment in tech-related programs at EnTec has grown by 120%. Today, EnTec serves more than 5,000 students each year across more than 30 degrees.
On August 4, Miami Dade College and a group of local partners were awarded $10 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to implement Miami Tech Works as part of the Good Jobs Challenge.
The project will support the region’s growing technology ecosystem and catalyze economic mobility for underserved workers over the next three years. MDC was one of 32 winners selected from a competitive pool of more than 500 applicants from across the country.
“With support from key partners, this award allows the college to assist the local workforce by providing job training and placement within the fast-growing technology sector,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “Along with MDC’s innovative tech program offerings and partnerships, the college continues to offer pathways for advancement in dynamic and ever-growing industries.”
Through a strong collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector, and the government, Miami Tech Works will strengthen the regional approach to provide the local community with a full pathway to employment in the growing Miami tech ecosystem.
MDC is collaborating with several partners on this initiative, including Miami-Dade County, City of Miami, CareerSource South Florida, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, OIC of South Florida, Refresh Miami, Talent Development Network, coding academies, and more than 50 employers committed to hiring tech positions locally.
The award is part of the $500 million Good Jobs Challenge funded by U.S. President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The Good Jobs Challenge is administered by the EDA and will enable communities across the country to invest in innovative approaches to workforce development that will secure job opportunities for more than 50,000 Americans.
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