Miami, June 10, 2021 – Miami Dade College (MDC) will officially welcome the inaugural class of its new Rising Black Scholars Program at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the North Campus Conference Center. MDC’s groundbreaking Rising Black Scholars Program promotes academic excellence and equity, providing financial assistance, support services and resources to Black students to ensure their academic success, as well as manifest a sense of belonging and preparedness for continued education or entry into the workforce.
While the nation evaluates equity and social justice in the Black community, MDC understands its responsibility to eliminate internal student success gaps and achieve equitable outcomes. A College study revealed an opportunity to increase student enrollment, retention, and completion in the Black community. While Black students at MDC graduate at higher rates than students at the national level, there is a 5 percent gap between their graduation rate and other students at the College. MDC will leverage its community networks, student support services, and esteemed faculty to close the gap.
The Rising Black Scholars program’s structured experiences inside and outside the classroom will equip students with the skills, resources and support services to achieve their academic and professional goals. Participants will receive free tuition for up to 30 credits plus fees per year, book stipend, laptop computer, and scholarship opportunities. They will also have access to short-term, career-focused credentials that increase earning potential, degree options, internship opportunities, academic advisement, and resume assistance.
Several elected officials and community leaders will speak in the upcoming program and welcome the scholars.
A $1 million donation from the MDC Foundation and the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation funds the Rising Black Scholars Program.
Watch the ceremony live via livestream at www.mdc.edu/livestream.
For more information, visit https://www.mdc.edu/risingblackscholars/