Miami, October 7, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the nation’s largest higher learning institutions, and Chapman Partnership, Miami-Dade County’s leading nonprofit empowering the homeless, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a three-year Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) to strengthen collaboration and create new pathways for education, workforce training, and student success.
The agreement establishes a framework to facilitate joint initiatives, programs, and services designed to promote and expand access to higher education, and support student achievement. This EPA reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to provide innovative educational opportunities for Chapman Partnership clients, while helping students gain valuable hands-on experience within the community.
“Miami Dade College is proud to partner with Chapman Partnership to expand meaningful pathways to education, workforce training, and student success,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to facilitating access and opportunity for all through innovative, hands-on learning, mentorship, and career-focused programs.”
College access efforts will include early college credit pathways, readiness workshops, masterclasses, guest lectures, and exploration programs such as virtual campus visits, shadowing, and bridge experiences. To foster engagement and retention, MDC students will provide tutoring and mentorship through service-learning in Chapman, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs, while first-year success coaching will offer advisement, time management, career planning, and wellness resources.
Dedicated transition liaisons from both institutions will guide students from acceptance through their first academic year, with a streamlined admissions process offering priority review and support to secure scholarships and financial aid. Workforce and hospitality development will be provided through MDC’s Continuing Education programs in areas such as hospitality, culinary arts, food safety, guest services, construction trades, ESOL, and GED preparation, as well as specialized trainings leading to credentials such as Florida Safe Staff Certification and Guest Service Gold Certification. In addition, Chapman Partnership will serve as a clinical training site for MDC Physician Assistant students completing rotations.
“Education, employment and social connectedness are critical to achieving economic mobility,” said Scott Hansel, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Each year, our Employment and Education Specialists help more than 500 Chapman Partnership clients secure meaningful jobs across a range of industries. This collaboration with MDC will provide our clients with opportunities to upskill and increase their earning potential.”
About Chapman Partnership
Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. The nonprofit provides a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for homeless men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, job training, job placement, and assistance with securing stable housing. At Chapman, aided by generous donors and sponsors, we empower the homeless, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is a private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at https://chapmanpartnership.org/.
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, and has been ranked #5 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. 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 $5 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.