MDC Student Parents Program to Host Resource Fair for Parents in the Community March 21

Miami, Feb. 28, 2024MDC Student Parents, a program of Miami Dade College (MDC) that provides wraparound services and assistance to parents of all ages, will hold its first-ever resource fair on Thursday, March 21, at MDC Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. The event will also showcase a short film about two participants who have benefited from the program. This event is free and open to the public. Working media is welcome.

“MDC Student Parents is all about offering holistic support to those incredible individuals who are not only pursuing higher education, but also juggling the responsibilities of parenthood,” said Stephanie Silva, MDC Student Parents Program Manager. “We understand that this journey is filled with unique challenges and incredible rewards. Miami Dade College is committed to walking alongside student parents every step of the way. Our goal is simple: To create an environment where student parents can not only survive but thrive academically while still being the amazing parents they want to be.”

The fair will offer valuable resources tailored specifically for parents attending MDC or considering enrolling. They will have the opportunity to learn from a panel of experts from Citrus Health Network, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, MDC’s Single Stop and New Student Center and the Early Learning Coalition, who will discuss child care assistance programs, child support, housing resources, college enrollment and basic needs services offered through the College.

In addition to MDC programs, such as MDC Works, Exploration Station and REVEST, representatives from community organizations including Head Start, Community Coalition, Healthy Start, Cherry Blossom Childcare Center and Tree of Life Parenting Center will be on hand to answer questions and to assist with program enrollment onsite.

The short film, From Struggle to Strength – Single Moms Conquer at Miami Dade College, tells the story of Tiara Hall, a young mother who returned to MDC after a 10-year absence and is now pursuing a degree in early childhood education at the North Campus; and Guadalupe Justiniani, a mother and cellist from Peru who recently graduated with a degree in music performance from New World School of the Arts at MDC. Justiniani is the first international student to participate in the MDC Student Parents program.

MDC Student Parents offers assistance to parents and guardians of children under age 18, regardless of background or family structure. Wraparound services provide a seamless pathway to earn higher wages, while allowing their children to meet developmental milestones and reach academic achievement. Services include flexible class schedules to fit student parents’ busy lives, on-and-off campus child care services and various additional services to help parents get ahead. Learn more at https://www.mdc.edu/singlestop/services/young-parent-hub/. Follow on social @MDCStudentParents.

WHAT:              MDC Student Parents Program to Host Resource Fair

WHEN:             Thursday, March 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Parking at Building 7.

WHERE:           MDC Wolfson Campus Auditorium (Building 1, second floor), 300 N.E. 2nd Ave.

For more information about this event, please contact Stephanie Rivera Silva at sriveras@mdc.edu, 305-237-0316.