New MDC Project to Help Low-Income and First-Generation Students Complete School and Prepare for College
Miami, February 21, 2008 - Backed by an Upward Bound (UB) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Miami Dade College (MDC) announced a new program to help improve the graduation rate for students in high school and post-secondary institutions. MDC is slated to receive a total of $1 million over the course of four years. The award is performance-based and renewable through Nov. 2011.
Under the UB grant, MDC is slated to receive $250,000 each year for four years to develop a Project TRIO-Upward Bound Program at its Wolfson Campus. Participants are typically selected from low to moderate income households where neither parent holds a college degree.
"We are proud to have been chosen as the site and training ground for this innovative project," said Wolfson Campus President Dr. Rolando Montoya. "It will no doubt make a lasting impact on the lives of these students and the community as a whole."
The project will provide academic support, instructional assistance and comprehensive enrichment opportunities for 60 students, grades nine through 12, from Miami Jackson, Northwestern and Edison senior high schools. In addition to pre-college support services, the high school students will be exposed to diverse career choices, such as international business, engineering and architecture, among many others.
"We believe these high-demand areas will inspire our UB students and allow them the opportunity to compete in a global and relevant marketplace, "said Darryl Perry, interim UB Project director and recruitment and schools specialist at the Wolfson Campus.
The Wolfson Campus UB Project is a collaborative effort between Miami-Dade County Public Schools, community stakeholders and the named partnering feeder high schools.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director