The Miami Dade College (MDC) Foundation will receive $1 million from Diageo North America to create a permanent endowment fund and provide financial aid to talented students in underrepresented communities across various disciplines and majors.

Hispanic and Black students make up over 90% of the student population at MDC, and this fund will direct resources to these historically underserved communities in pursuing higher education.

"We are thrilled to share that Diageo North America has established a new partnership with Miami Dade College committing $1M that will fund a permanent endowment supporting access to deserving students in underrepresented communities," said Diageo North America. 

Stephanie Childs, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations for Diageo North America commented: "Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of what we do here at Diageo, which is why I am thrilled to share that we established an exciting new partnership with Miami Dade College committing $1M that will fund a permanent endowment supporting access to deserving students in underrepresented communities. The program will also include supporting the development of academic plans and skills training in the Supply Chain Management Program and the Miami Culinary Institute, with the goal of cultivating a diverse pipeline of future-ready talent. This partnership furthers our commitment to help shape a more equitable society, by addressing structural barriers and investing in colleges that are primarily serving underrepresented communities."

Providing scholarship opportunities and financial aid 

The fund will support deserving students with a specific emphasis on those in the Rising Black Scholars and Presidential Scholars programs – which provide different scholarship opportunities, financial aid in the form of a stipend and other unique experiences and resources.

“This partnership furthers our commitment to help shape a more equitable society, by addressing structural barriers, supporting talent pipelines and investing in colleges that are primarily serving underrepresented communities,” said Stephanie Childs, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations, Diageo North America.

“We are proud to expand our program supporting higher education institutions and join forces with a college that shares our commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Directing resources to continue serving diverse student populations

Since 1960, MDC has been a cornerstone for equity in South Florida. It was the state’s first integrated college and with currently a large population of Black and Hispanic students. These funds will direct resources to continue serving the College’s diverse student population.   

“We are so grateful for this generous investment from Diageo North America,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “MDC joins Diageo in prioritizing the creation and expansion of educational pathways that lead to high-paying in-demand jobs. Our partners are essential in carrying out this critical mission.”

Cultivating a diverse pipeline of future-ready talent 

With the goal of cultivating a diverse pipeline of future-ready talent, the investment also includes educational curricula development in the Supply Chain Management Program and the Miami Culinary Institute, mentorship, lecturers and resume assistance for students.

This partnership is an addition to the company’s $10 million commitment to fund permanent endowments at 25 Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country, providing financial assistance to students to help shape future Black leaders. As part of this program, Diageo joined the Congressional HBCU Partnership Challenge to advocate for positive policies at higher education institutions and recently established the Higher Education Thought Leadership Consortium along with other private and public organizations to advance sustainable growth opportunities for these institutions.

The most diverse institution in America

Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation. There are 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body.

The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, industry certifications, digital badges and apprenticeships.

MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. More than 120,000 students are enrolled annually.

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