Student Government vice president at Wolfson Campus Enrique Sepulveda was named Achieving the Dream’s Dream Scholar on Feb. 21. Through Sepulveda’s nomination, Miami Dade College received the Achieving the Dream’s Leah Meyer Austin Award for the first time, in recognition for the increase in student graduation rates—from 31 to 34 percent.
Achieving the Dream is a national, nonprofit organization that assists colleges in helping students achieve their academic goals, focusing on low income students and students of color. Working with 200 colleges, 100 advisors and multiple investors, it closes achievement gaps and increases student academic and economic accomplishments.
Back in 2010, barriers like disorganized student pathways and excessive academic choices prevented students from completing their education. The College organized surveys and examined student data to create new programs such as Shark Path, a guided pathway to assist students from before they start at MDC until they transfer to a baccalaureate program or a workplace.
“We are especially proud to receive this award because it acknowledges the heart of our mission to changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences,” said Lenore Rodicio, the executive vice president and provost at MDC. “It is a testament of the work that our faculty and staff do day in and day out to ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed and achieve their dreams for a college degree.”
