Miami Dade College is among the winners of the U.S. Department of Education’s first-ever Postsecondary Success Recognition Program (PSRP). Launched in April 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, the program celebrates institutions of higher education that are enrolling underserved student populations, facilitating successful student transfers and completions and equipping graduates for careers that lead to economic mobility.
“We are proud to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a leader in higher education,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “This acknowledgment underscores our dedication to advancing student success through innovative educational pathways that drive economic mobility and strengthen our role as the workforce engine of our community.”
Six colleges and universities were honored as winners, representing a cross-section of institutions serving diverse student populations, communities and missions. Located in rural, suburban, and urban areas across the country, these schools demonstrate excellence in advancing student success while supporting equitable outcomes for all of their students.
Winners were selected after a rigorous process by a panel of nearly 50 peer reviewers, including leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from the field to score applications.
MDC Board of Trustee member Roberto Alfonso hopes this recognition will not only validate Miami Dade’s long-standing commitment to student success but also “expand our capacity to develop innovative solutions that can be shared with other institutions to collectively advance postsecondary education across the nation.”
MDC serves about 40,000 students. It’s a diverse student body with nearly 90% underserved students of color and over 50% of students receiving Pell Grants. At MDC, 55% of students transfer or graduate within eight years, and students earn 40% more than high school graduates in the state on average after college. MDC uses a “pilot-to-growth approach” to implement and scale student success initiatives by using data to rigorously test programs before expanding their reach. MDC also tracks key performance indicators, including early momentum metrics such as course completion, credit intensity, and retention as well as transfer, completion, and industry certifications, making these data accessible to faculty and staff and holding them accountable for the results.