Miami, October 30, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) has been awarded a $5,000 grant as part of the annual 2025 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. MDC is one of only 26 institutions nationwide to receive the 2025 First-Generation Celebration grant and one of just four to earn the prestigious grand prize.
Presented by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward, with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, this grant underscores MDC’s strong commitment to empowering and celebrating first-generation college students. The funding will allow the College to expand programs and activities that foster academic success, leadership, and community among first-generation learners.
To commemorate this achievement, MDC will host a series of college-wide activities beginning November 3. For a complete list of events, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n92k94b.
“We are grateful for this generous funding and, more so, value the recognition of our efforts in supporting first-generation students,” said Erick Dominicis, MDC’s Collegewide Director of Learning Resources. “This award validates MDC’s longstanding commitment to creating pathways for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.”
The First-Generation College Celebration highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the unique challenges they navigate in higher education. More than half of MDC students are the first in their families to attend college.
November 8 marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of first-generation students persist to degree completion. By receiving this grant, MDC reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
“We are thrilled to partner with MDC and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success. “We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities.”
Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country in recognizing an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more — all in celebration of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.
“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like MDC to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive,” said COE President Kimberly Jones.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Diptee at jdiptee@mdc.edu, 305-237-2101 or Meredith Krall at mkrall@mdc.edu, 305-237-2293.
About the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 and dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Nearly a million low-income students and students with disabilities receive college access and retention services each year through COE’s member colleges and agencies. Learn more at coenet.org
About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career, and life. Learn more at firstgenforward.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.