Miami-Dade County And MDC Announce Future Ready Scholarship
Miami Dade College and Miami-Dade County have joined forces to launch the Future Ready Scholarship, a program that will allow recent high school graduates to pursue an associate’s degree at no cost.
The scholarship, which will benefit approximately 2,000 students each year, will serve as last-dollar funds, covering in-state tuition costs for students pursuing an associate’s degree after all aid, such as scholarships and grants, have been applied.
Miami Dade College announced the partnership with the County, which pledged nearly $3 million to fund this multi-year initiative, at a press conference at Wolfson Campus on Oct. 30.
“The Future Ready Scholarship ensures that every single senior in Miami-Dade County public schools, private schools or charter schools knows that there’s a place for them to pursue that higher education,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega.
The program covers a maximum of 60 credits toward an associate’s degree, but does not apply to vocational programs or certificates. However, the scholarship does cover college-credit certificates embedded in associate’s degrees such as those in cybersecurity and nursing.
“It’s not a usual Miami-Dade County activity to participate in scholarships but it’s never been more important,” said County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We are truly closing the gap on educational opportunity for everyone in Miami-Dade County.”
Through CareerSource South Florida, a subdivision of the state’s workforce development program, residents who make less than $62,000 a year can also receive grants for additional expenses, including $2,500 for childcare, $2,500 for housing, $500 for transportation and $500 for books, tools and uniforms.
Eligible students must complete an application at an MDC Works Studio, a center that offers professional development services for students.
“The holistic support services adds colors,” said Jaime Anzalotta, the vice provost of student affairs and the chief enrollment officer at MDC. “It’s ensuring that students get the services they need for them to be successful.”
To qualify for the scholarship, students must have recently obtained a high school diploma or an equivalent degree, such as a GED, have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be residents of Miami-Dade County.
They must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Expected Family Contribution Calculator and register for 12 credits or more each semester at MDC.
Although registration for the summer term is not required, it is highly recommended.
The scholarship will launch in the spring with the class of 2023 graduates. Future applicants must be graduating between May and July to enroll in the first term of the following fall.
“I believe education is not an expense, but it’s an investment,” Pumariega said. “The future of our great county relies on the investments that we collectively make so that we have a brighter future, and that the students who today are in our classrooms can dream of that bright future together.”
For more information, visit https://www.mdc.edu/future-ready/
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