Miami Dade College Launches Florida Center for Aviation And Aerospace

Miami Dade College launched the Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace, a new organizational structure designed to integrate existing and emerging programs in these fields at the College. 

It’s expected to be inaugurated by Fall 2026, and aims to provide a single point of entry for students seeking interdisciplinary training across aviation and aerospace sectors.

The initiative, which will include programs from the Eig‑Watson School of Aviation, the School of Technology and the School of Continuing Education and offer a new Aerospace Technician Associate in Science degree, as well as a new college credit certificate in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), was announced at the  College’s Jan. 20 District Board of Trustees meeting. 

“It’s a great evolution and hybridization of education, so students get the kind of personalized pathway they need and want,” said Homestead Campus Interim President Beverly Moore-Garcia. “They don’t have to leave home to get this training.”

For more than six decades, the Eig‑Watson School of Aviation has trained pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers and logistics professionals in South Florida. 

One of the aviation program’s students, Ngatendwe Cleopas, moved from Zimbabwe to the United States at age 17 to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. 

He is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in Professional Pilot Technology while being a certified flight instructor. 

“This program has strengthened my passion for aviation by improving my skills and knowledge,” said Cleopas, who will be graduating in spring. “ It has shown me how structured opportunities can turn passion into professional readiness, helping ensure that the next generation of aviators is well equipped to meet future aviation demands.”

 The School’s legacy continues through long‑standing facilities at the Homestead Campus, Miami Executive Airport and a site adjacent to Miami International Airport, which will remain central to the new center.

In addition, the center will expand to North Campus and Opa‑locka. 

Renovations are now underway at North Campus to convert former computer labs into instructional spaces focused on the Aerospace Technology Program. 

“The campus is becoming a key hub in MDC’s aerospace strategy,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez. “Students now can have a career in what they desire—whether it’s being part of a space program or an aviation company.”

It will also provide students with hands-on apprenticeships and direct job placement through collaborations with private sector companies such as Allen Aircraft Radio—a global aviation service company that is currently expanding operations by building a new aircraft hangar.  

In partnership with Barrington Irving Technical Training School and supported by Florida Job Growth Grant of $4.9 million, MDC will establish an Aviation Maintenance Technician Program at the Opa Locka Airport, expected to begin operating by June 2026. The College also invested more than $2 million in construction and furniture expenses. 

The Center arrives at a critical moment for the aviation workforce as the Federal Aviation Administration reported nationwide shortages of air traffic controllers and an increase in demand. 

“The aerospace field is in huge demand, and the future is only going to get better,” Vazquez said. 

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