Connect4Success, at Miami Dade College and Florida International University, is featured among the programs that improve Latino student achievement.
Miami, May 6, 2024 – Miami Dade College (MDC) has once again partnered with Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, to release “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement.
The compilation emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas:
- Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College
- First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success
- Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections
- Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways
- Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success
Connect4Success (C4S), a program created by MDC in collaboration with Florida International University (FIU), was featured as part of the “First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success” portion of the compilation. C4S is a structured, seamless process for students to transfer to FIU offering wraparound services beginning with comprehensive onboarding. Students benefit from advisors at both institutions, extensive co-curricular opportunities, and career and transfer workshops. Participants gain guaranteed admission to FIU, excluding limited-access programs, with the completion of an AA degree.
MDC is one of only 39 institutions to have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that go beyond enrollment to serve Latino students intentionally. These seal-certified institutions, which represent less than 1% of colleges and universities, enroll 15% and graduate 17% of all Latino students.
MDC President Madeline Pumariega is part of Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS), composed of over 190 postsecondary leaders from 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Together, the network’s colleges and universities are transforming higher education. Although the P4LSS network represents only 6% of institutions, it enrolls 33% and graduates 35% of all Latino students.
Through this partnership and the P4LSS network, President Pumariega and MDC will continue collaborating with Excelencia, leveraging collective expertise and resources, fostering working relationships, and amplifying current efforts at the national level to accelerate Latino student success and ensure America’s future with the talent of Latino students.
To learn more about “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” visit EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024.
About Excelencia in Education
In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit EdExcelencia.org.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is among the most diverse institutions 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. 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 $3 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 120,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
Excelencia in Education Media Contact: JP Deering, Communications Manager, jpdeering@edexcelencia.org.