Miami, FL, January 26, 2026 — The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and Miami Dade College (MDC) announced a new partnership focused at expanding educational, leadership, and public policy opportunities for Hispanic students across South Florida. The announcement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a student pipeline into CHLI’s distinguished leadership and fellowship programs.
The partnership connects MDC—one of the most diverse and accessible higher education institutions in the nation—with CHLI’s mission to advance Hispanic leadership, expand economic opportunity, and prepare the future leader of public service leaders. The partnership will create new pathways for MDC students to participate in CHLI’s Global Leaders Internship Program, engage with national policy discussions, and join a far-reaching network of current and former public- and private-sector leaders.
Under the partnership, MDC students will have access to dedicated information sessions, application workshops, a reserved slot for CHLI’s Fall Global Leaders Internship cohort, and expanded engagement opportunities with CHLI events, conferences, and the CHLI Purple Line Podcast.
“Miami Dade College embodies the values of opportunity, access, and leadership that CHLI champions,” said CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “Through this partnership, we are opening new doors for students who will become the next wave of Hispanic leaders in public service, business, and beyond. We are proud to work with MDC to empower college students who are ready to lead with purpose and integrity.”
MDC will support student recruitment, promotion of CHLI programs, and institutional engagement from faculty, staff, and its influential alumni network. The MOU also invites MDC’s President as a special guest to CHLI’s annual Leadership Awards and Gala in Washington, D.C.
“Miami Dade College is committed to preparing students to lead in a global, diverse, and rapidly changing world,” said Miami Dade College President, Madeline Pumariega. “Partnering with CHLI strengthens that mission by giving our students direct access to national leadership experiences, public policy exposure, and opportunities that elevate their personal and professional trajectories. We are excited for what this collaboration will unlock for MDC’s talented students.”
The partnership underscores both institutions’ shared commitment to leadership development, diversity of thought, and empowerment of Hispanic communities across the United States.
About the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI)
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by Members of Congress to advance the Hispanic Community’s Economic Progress with a focus on Social Responsibility and Global Competitiveness. For more information, visit: https://chli.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.