College launches giving period, reveals campus event dates and $1.66 million fundraising goal
MIAMI, Fla. (August 14, 2026) – Miami Dade College (MDC) announced the return of its annual “I AM MDC” celebration, expanding this year’s signature campaign into a month-long series of campus events, community activations, and fundraising initiatives in honor of the College’s 66th anniversary.
More than a celebration, “I AM MDC” is a movement that brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and community partners to celebrate the College’s legacy while investing in its future. Every dollar raised helps remove financial barriers for students through scholarships and essential resources, ensuring more students have the opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals. That support includes MDC’s Honors College, along with the Presidential and Rising Scholars programs.
Following last year’s record breaking “I AM MDC” day where more than $1 million was raised, MDC has set an equally ambitious goal for 2026: $1.66 million raised, a reflection of the College’s 66 years of impact and its 2.5 million alumni community.
“Every student who walks through our doors carries a dream,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “I AM MDC is a celebration of what MDC has always stood for: access, opportunity, and the belief that education can transform a life. It’s one day. One College. And infinite impact.”
“I AM MDC” celebrations will run from August 15 through September 30. At the center of “I AM MDC” month is “I AM MDC” day on Sunday, September 6, the anniversary of the day Miami Dade College first opened its doors. This year, the celebration will be held at Loan Depot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, for a one-of-a-kind community event bringing together MDC students, alumni, donors, and fans for a day of giving and recognition.
Beyond September 6, “I AM MDC” month features free events at all eight campuses, each spotlighting the unique programs, students, and community that make that campus distinct:
- Saturday, August 15 – Hialeah Campus Kids and Family Festival (10 am – 2 pm)
- Saturday, August 29 – Padron Campus Celebrando Juntos (10 am – 2 pm)
- Wednesday, September 2 – Wolfson Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
- Thursday, September 3 – Medical Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
- Sunday, September 6 – I AM MDC Day at Loan Depot Park (1:40pm)
- Wednesday, September 9 – North Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
- Thursday, September 10 – Homestead Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
- Wednesday, September 16 – West Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
- Wednesday, September 23 – Kendall Campus (11:30am – 1pm)
Since its launch in 2016, “I AM MDC” has grown into Miami Dade College’s signature celebration of philanthropy, pride, and community. More than an annual fundraising campaign, it is a powerful reflection of the College’s enduring mission to open doors of opportunity, expand economic mobility, and transform lives through education. Every dollar raised supports student scholarships, emergency assistance, academic programs, and other initiatives that empower more than 125,000 students to persist, graduate, and achieve their dreams.
“I AM MDC” honors the College’s remarkable legacy while investing in its future. Over the past 66 years, MDC has grown from a single campus serving a few hundred students into the largest and one of the most diverse institutions of higher education in the nation, with more than 2.5 million alumni. What began with the College’s first graduating class of approximately 200 students in 1962 has evolved into an institution that now celebrates more than 15,000 graduates annually. As Miami Dade College continues to transform lives across generations, “I AM MDC” serves as a rallying call for alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and the community to ensure today’s students have the same life-changing opportunities for decades to come.
Donations can be made securely online at: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/MiamiDadeCollege/i-am-mdc-2026
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About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation, with students from 167 countries and 63 languages represented. Its eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 pathways, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, certifications, and apprenticeships. MDC is home to nationally recognized programs and centers, such as the Miami Culinary Institute, The Idea Center, AI Centers, and New World School of the Arts. The College’s rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Freedom Tower, Live Arts Miami, Koubek Center, and MOAD. Since its founding in 1960, MDC has welcomed more than 2.5 million students. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. Visit mdc.edu to learn more.
About the Miami Dade College Foundation
Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation opens doors and expands opportunity through education. By removing financial barriers and partnering with a generous community of supporters, we help students pursue their dreams and transform their lives, their families, and our community, investing more than $25 million each year in scholarships to nearly 20,000 students. The Foundation also invests more than $10 million each year in student success initiatives, academic programs, faculty support and world-class arts and cultural programming that enriches the community. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. MDC is the nation’s most diverse institution of higher education with an enrollment of more than 125,000 students and more than 2.5 million alumni. It is also the nation’s top producer of Associate in Arts and Science degrees, and awards more degrees to minorities than any other college or university in the country. For more information visit foundation.mdc.edu.