At Miami Dade College (MDC), we’re proud to be the workforce engine of the South Florida community. In recent years, our role and impact on the local economy have expanded significantly. A recent impact analysis revealed that MDC contributes $5 billion to the Miami-Dade County economy and $7 billion to the Florida economy, directly supporting over 62,000 jobs across the state. Additionally, our alumni add $3.7 billion in income to the county’s economy. 

MDC continues to lead the nation in awarding more associate degrees than any other two-year college and ranks third for overall enrollment. We provide accessible education to nearly 77 percent Hispanic student body, with more than half being first-generation college students, reflecting the rich diversity of our community.

Our commitment to serving Hispanic students has been recognized nationally. In 2024, MDC was one of only 17 institutions in the nation to receive the Excelencia in Education recertification for our continued dedication to expanding opportunities for Hispanic students. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked MDC #4 among Top Public Schools—Regional Colleges and #18 among all schools in the South Region.

At the heart of our mission is an unwavering commitment to student success and innovation. We understand that education is not one-size-fits-all. By creating tailored pathways, we provide opportunities for students to gain critical skills, hands-on experiences and direct access to high-paying careers. Whether through traditional degree programs, stackable credentials, or apprenticeships, we ensure that each student is equipped to succeed in the ever-evolving workforce.

Aligning Education with Industry

MDC is reshaping the higher education model through innovative programs and a collaborative approach that connects students with industry to boost the workforce of tomorrow. We drive this effort by forming advisory committees that connect educational leaders with industry experts to ensure our programs remain aligned with the dynamic labor market. 

A prime example is our Artificial Intelligence Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT), the advisory committee behind MDC’s pioneering bachelor’s degree in applied artificial intelligence (AI), the first of its kind in Florida. Composed of national AI experts from both large and small companies, the committee provides invaluable insights and guidance to advance and sustain the AI industry.

This approach to engaging industry leaders extends across other MDC programs, including apprenticeships—an employer-driven, paid training model that allows students to earn while they learn. Upon graduation, they receive an industry credential and continued employment. On average, apprentices earn an annual salary of $84K after completing the program and gain a $300K lifetime earning advantage compared to their peers.

In recent years, Florida has seen an increase of about 84 percent in registered apprenticeships; in Miami-Dade County, the growth has been nearly 106 percent. 

Recognizing the demand, MDC launched the Registered Apprenticeship Program, becoming the first education institution in the state to be designated a Program Sponsor. Today, we lead in Florida with over 22 apprenticeships available and dozens of partners, including Johnson Controls, Bank of America, Siemens, Hellmann and Bean Automotive Group, among others.  

Strategic Partnerships

In addition to apprenticeships, MDC has forged key partnerships with leading companies to address the employability gap and provide new pathways for students to gain essential skills and real-world experience across various sectors. In healthcare, more than 3,000 nursing and allied health students are participating in clinical rotations each year at leading institutions such as Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health System, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and Mount Sinai Medical Center, among others.  

MDC’s partnership with Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) recruits, develops, places, and mentors aspiring teachers who do not have an education degree. Since 2024, 264 students have completed the program, including 89 graduates from MDC’s School of Education. More than 76 percent of graduates have secured jobs within Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the third largest school district in the country, and others have joined  local charter schools. 

This year, MDC collaborated with MasTec, one of the largest infrastructure services providers in the U.S., to develop  fiber optics and telecommunications programs. Backed by Florida Commerce, students complete a combination of course work and practical training at the College’s new Broadband Utilities Lab. The first cohort of aerial linemen recently graduated and were hired by MasTec to work at various posts across the country. 

Further expanding opportunities for students, MDC is strengthening internship programs and work-based learning experiences in Miami’s growing tech sector. Miami Tech Works, a tech industry-led initiative, is a key effort to align talent, employers, and education partners in building a sustainable tech talent pipeline. Supported by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge, the initiative has already placed over 500 students in local tech jobs.

In addition, an unprecedented partnership with the Féderation International de Football Association (FIFA) created paid internships for 25 MDC students at FIFA’s World Cup 2026 headquarters in Miami. Several interns were hired full-time in the areas of sustainability, human resources and logistics. As part of the partnership, MDC will host the first-ever FIFA exhibition in the U.S., housed inside the College’s Historic Landmark Freedom Tower, celebrating its centennial this summer. 

A National Leader in Embracing AI

MDC is harnessing the power of AI to transform education and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Our comprehensive pathways—from certificate programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees— equip students with the essential skills to excel in AI-driven careers. 

Since launching Florida’s first associate and bachelor’s degrees in applied AI, enrollment has more than doubled, particularly among working professionals eager to enhance their AI expertise. To sustain this growth, MDC has invested in faculty and staff development and opened two AI Centers, which serve as hubs for innovation, curriculum advancement, and collaboration. A third AI Center is currently in development. 

Widely recognized as a national leader in AI education, MDC is growing the AI workforce through the National Applied AI Consortium. This initiative, in partnership with Houston Community College and Maricopa County Community College District, has already received over $5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to empower community colleges nationwide to train the AI workforce. The Consortium counts on the support of industry partners like Microsoft, AWS, Intel and Google. These companies are providing resources, funding and curriculum to elevate college faculty’s capacity to teach AI. 

The Big Picture

Colleges are more than institutions of learning—they are engines of progress. At MDC, we are not only educating students but also shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. Our impact extends across industries, fueling economic growth, supporting local businesses and providing vital services to our community. We are preparing students to navigate and lead in an ever-evolving world by bridging education with opportunity.

Today, 125,000 students call MDC home and more than 2.5 million alumni are making an impact in their communities and beyond. Moving into the future, MDC remains committed to creating more opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life to skill up for the jobs of tomorrow, both inside and outside the classroom. With more than 300 degree pathways and flexible learning options—online and in-person across eight campuses—MDC empowers students to advance their education, accelerate their careers and shape their futures.