College to receive more than $1.5 million in performance funding to support student academic success
Miami, June 24, 2020 – Miami Dade College (MDC) once again ranks number one in the Florida College System (FCS) for reporting the most students earning industry certifications during the 2019-20 academic year. MDC achieved the top spot for the second time in three years by reporting 1,550 certifications or licenses in the areas of Technology, Nursing, Health Sciences, Justice, and Wellness.
The College will receive more than $1.5 million in performance funding based on students earning industry certifications as part of the Florida Department of Education’s (FLDOE) CAPE Postsecondary Industry Certification Funding List. The Florida Career and Professional Education Act was created to provide a statewide planning partnership between business and education communities, to expand and retain high-value industry, and sustain a vibrant state economy. MDC allocates these funds to increase industry certifications and other priorities that support student and academic success.
An industry certification is a credential recognized by business and industry. It is earned through an assessment, an examination or license administered and recognized by an industry third-party or governing board. They are valuable to employers because they measure competency and validate knowledge of skills in a particular industry, giving students an added advantage in a competitive job market.
“Industry certifications help students stay on track and take them one step closer to getting the job they want and earning a higher salary,” said Aneisah Castro, Industry Certification Coordinator. “Having that on their resume sets them apart from other applicants.”
MDC offers credit and non-credit courses aligned with industry certifications, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect, CompTIA Security+, Adobe Certified Associate, Firefighter, Correctional Officer, Certified Personal Trainer, Sport Nutrition Specialist, National Licensed Registered Nurse and Emergency Medical Technician, among others.
Many of the courses include vouchers to take certification exams for free, or students can receive reimbursement after passing an eligible industry certification exam. Students can also earn credits at MDC if they have active industry certifications that align with courses for Associate in Science programs.
Over the past three years, the College has secured more than $3.5 million in performance funding to support thousands of students in completing their college education.
Learn more about MDC’s industry certifications at www.mdc.edu/industrycertifications.