This year’s event introduces the first-ever PepsiCo Culinary Creators Competition
Miami, Sept. 27, 2024 – Miami Dade College (MDC) has been chosen once again as one of three stops for the 2024 Cheetos Deja Tu Huella Tour, a national philanthropic initiative from Cheetos and the PepsiCo Foundation that highlights resources available for underserved college students, including the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship program for those seeking associate degrees or trade certificates. The event, open to MDC students and five local high schools, will take place at MDC Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Working media is welcome.
This year, Deja Tu Huella Tour will introduce the first PepsiCo Culinary Creators Competition, open to MDC culinary students for the opportunity to win a $2,500 Uplift Scholarship and the chance to participate in a career-boosting culinary marketing virtual mentorship. The winning recipe will also be featured on a local restaurant’s menu for a limited time. The competition will begin at 11:30 a.m. at MDC’s Miami Culinary Institute, Building 9, 6th floor.
In addition, students can also take advantage of career workshops led by Deja Tu Huella ambassadors, professional networking and mentorship opportunities, as well as enjoy Cheetos-inspired snacks, live music and meet Chester Cheetah, Cheetos’ official mascot. The Cheetos Deja Tu Huella Tour visits community colleges across the U.S. that are classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and have an existing partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation. Other stops of the 2024 Tour will include Dallas College, El Centro Campus (Oct. 23) and Los Angeles Trade Technical-College (Oct. 29).
Deja Tu Huella, which translates to “Leave your Mark” in English, is a phrase known in Latino culture to celebrate the inspiring work people are doing in their community to uplift generations to come. Cheetos created the campaign in 2020 to celebrate those across the country who are leaving a mark on their communities through art, education, music, technology, fashion and more. For years, the brand has supported these individuals with funding and resources to continue pursuing their passions.
From 2021 through 2023, The PepsiCo Foundation has awarded 2,800 Uplift Scholarships and will reach 4,000 by end of 2024, helping students in underserved communities find the pathway to prosperity. Learn more about PepsiCo Foundation’s initiatives at https://www.pepsico.com/our-impact/philanthropy/pepsico-foundation.
For more information about the Cheetos Deja Tu Huella Tour at MDC Wolfson Campus, please contact Marcus Ortega, mortega7@mdc.edu, 305-237-3301.
What: 2024 Cheetos Deja Tu Huella Tour
When: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
10 a.m. Welcome ceremony (Auditorium, Building 1, 2nd floor)
11a.m.- 2 p.m. Career Workshops (Auditorium, Building 1, 2nd floor)
11:30 a.m. Culinary Competition (MCI, Building 9, 6th floor)
Where: MDC Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Avenue
About The PepsiCo Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, The PepsiCo Foundation invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we’re focused on helping communities obtain access to food security, safe water and economic opportunity. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com
About Cheetos
Cheetos® has been delivering delicious cheesy snacks and making mischief with orange-covered fingertips for more than 75 years. Cheetos believes you should never lose your mischievous spark or playful spirit regardless of what life brings. It is one of the many brands that make up Frito-Lay North America, the $25 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, Inc. Follow Cheetos on X (@ChesterCheetah), Instagram, YouTube and TikTok (@Cheetos) and on Facebook (Cheetos).
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.