A dynamic countywide competition empowering the next generation of innovators
Miami, FL — Dec. 2, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) will once again welcome hundreds of talented students for the Innovate Career Technical Education (CTE) Challenge, an annual signature event of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) that showcases emerging career pathways and hands-on technical skills. CTE Challenge 2025 will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at MDC’s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami.
This year’s challenge is expected to bring together more than 400 middle and high school students from across the county to compete in real-world, industry-inspired scenarios designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and career readiness. MDC and M-DCPS faculty, staff, and industry partners will serve as competition leads and judges, reinforcing the strong and growing partnership between the two institutions in preparing students for high-demand, future-focused careers.
Students will participate in 21 competition categories, including Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Fashion Design, Culinary Arts, Esports, TV and Film Production, Website Coding, and the crowd-favorite Shark Tank Idea Challenge, among many others. Each category reflects the evolving landscape of technical education and the increasing need for innovation across all sectors.
This year also marks the twelfth anniversary of the CTE Challenge, which has become a cornerstone event for Miami-Dade students by offering early exposure to technical career pathways that power South Florida’s innovation ecosystem.
“Hosting the Innovate Career Technical Education Challenge is one of the most inspiring traditions we share with Miami-Dade County Public Schools,” said Beatriz Gonzalez, president of Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. “Every year, we see students step into their potential—experimenting, creating, and discovering new pathways that will shape their futures and strengthen our region’s workforce. MDC is proud to open our doors to the next generation of innovators and to support their journey toward high-demand, high-opportunity careers.”
“The Innovate Career Technical Education Challenge exemplifies Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Lupe Ferrran Diaz, Administrative Director, Department of Career and Technical Education, Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “By offering students diverse, industry-aligned pathways… from artificial intelligence to culinary arts… we ensure that every learner has the choice to explore their passions in a safe, supportive environment. This event is more than a competition; it is a celebration of creativity, problem-solving, and the future-ready skills that will empower our students to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.”
About Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education programs at Miami-Dade County Public Schools serve students from grades 6–8 in K–8 and middle schools, as well as high school students, postsecondary technical college students, and adults enrolled in lifelong learning programs. Middle school students explore CTE through introductory courses designed to spark interest in various career clusters. In high school, students build on these foundations through specialized coursework beginning in the ninth grade. Many students also participate in dual enrollment, earning credits through technical colleges or university-level programs while completing high school. For more information, visit: https://ctemiami.net/about-cte/
WHAT : Miami Dade College to host Innovate 2025
WHEN : Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE : MDC Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami