Miami, Dec. 7, 2022 – Miami Dade College (MDC) has been awarded $500,000 from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to establish a Blackstone LaunchPad at MDC and grow the College’s existing entrepreneurship programs through The Idea Center @ MDC. The official announcement featuring executives from Blackstone and leadership from the various schools will take place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, at MDC Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami.
MDC has already begun using resources from Blackstone LaunchPad to create a new satellite space for The Idea Center at MDC West Campus in Doral, which will be inaugurated next spring. Blackstone LaunchPad also provides students access to competitions, funding and mentorship to take their ideas into the development stage.
The Foundation is investing in MDC as part of a $5 million commitment over three years to expand access to its student venture and entrepreneurial skill-building program at five new colleges across Florida state, including one Historically Black College and University (HBCUs) and three Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The partnership is part of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s broader $40 million commitment to extend LaunchPad to higher-ed institutions that have a majority underrepresented population or are serving under-resourced communities.
Founded in 2008 to empower student entrepreneurs as they develop their professional skills and pursue their ventures, the Blackstone LaunchPad program includes workshops, student participation in national competitions, and access to experienced mentors and industry professionals. To learn more, visit https://www.blackstone.com/our-impact/blackstone-charitable-foundation.
WHAT: Blackstone LaunchPad at MDC Announcement
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Idea Center at MDC, Building 8 (5th floor)
315 N.E. 2nd Ave.