Latest news with #MiamiDadeCollege
CBS News
19-07-2025
- CBS News
Renovations at Miami's Freedom Tower finishing up ahead of its 100th anniversary celebration
Still standing tall against the massive urbanization that is 21st Century Miami, the building known today as the Freedom Tower has been a big part of Miami's history. Built to impress in the Mediterranean style, 100 years ago it was home to the Miami Daily News and the headquarters for the Cox newspaper chain. This week workers scrambled to finish a massive $25 million renovation to mark the building's centennial anniversary. Madeline Pumariega, the president of Miami Dade College. She recently gave CBS News Miami a tour of the facility, noting the planned innovations. "This hallway is intended to depict a journey, a journey to freedom so many that have come in search of hope and opportunity," she said. Pumariega is referring to the hundreds of thousands of Cuban refugees who passed the historic building from 1962 through 1974. The Federal Cuban Assistance Program provided Cuban exiles and refugees with financial aid, food, medical care and guidance on setting up life in America. Carman Valdivia remembers visiting the Freedom Tower in her childhood. "They would take us there for the doctors and dentists and things like that," she said. Cuban exile doctors were allowed to practice inside the Freedom Tower, while new arrivals learned English there. When the federal refugee funding ran out, the building fell into hard times and was in disrepair. It changed hands several times and was eventually rescued by the family of the late Jorge Mas Canosa. In 2003, the building gained attention again thanks to a massive memorial to "The Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz. Miami Dade College later acquired the Freedom Tower and is now spearheading the renovations which include digital displays and exhibits, like the stacks of suitcases. The Castro regime would only allow exiles three changes of clothes and not much else when they exited the island. The exiles came to America with all they had packed in one suitcase. They often kept their suitcases along with the airline tickets that flew them to freedom. Pumariega said the stacks of 1960s luggage is a powerful reminder for many of where they come from. There is plenty of Miami history in this iconic building which will re-open to the public later this summer or early fall.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Second Florida Lottery jackpot hit in 11 months for a Miami-Dade vendor
Two for Tuesday could have two meanings with Florida Lottery big money draw games: two jackpot tickets sold in South Florida and the second jackpot win in the last 11 months for a North Miami-Dade gas station. The Fantasy 5 evening draw numbers of 8, 10, 23, 34 and 36 were on a Quick Pick ticket bought at the Mobil across the street from Miami Dade College's North Campus, 10291 NW 27th Ave. That's a $106,667 ticket. That station sold a $129,000 Fantasy 5 winner on Aug. 17. Tuesday's Fantasy 5 midday drawing — 10, 20, 23, 30 and 33 — got split between a ticket bought at the West Palm Beach Bravo Supermarket, 5011 Broadway, and a Quick Pick ticket sold at a Kissimmee Publix, 2625 Simpson Rd. Each ticket won $26,105. These tickets must be cashed at a Florida Lottery office. The Miami office is at 14621 Oak Ln. in Miami Lakes, 305-364-3080, email address MIARC@ The West Palm Beach office is in Palm Springs, 4360 Forest Hill Blvd., reachable at 561-640-6190 and WPBRC@ Offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made, but aren't required.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Florida House speaker: We passed a fiscally-responsible budget, and Miami-Dade benefits
When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, Florida has a responsibility to lead with discipline and vision. Over the past six years, our state budget has grown by more than 30%. If that trend continued unchecked, Florida would face a staggering $7 billion deficit within just three years. That is not the future our citizens deserve. This year, the Florida House took a stand for responsible budgeting. With Republican super-majorities in both chambers and a Republican governor, we had an opportunity to deliver historic relief to taxpayers. The Florida House passed the first-ever reduction in our state sales tax rate — cutting taxes by $5 billion annually. Unfortunately, the Senate and the governor declined to support that once-in-a-generation tax cut. Still, the final budget of $115.1 billion is a step in the right direction. It's smaller than last year's and smaller than the governor's original proposal. It offers $2.9 billion to provide tax relief, increase state reserves and reduce state debt, while funding priorities that matter to families across our state. For Miami-Dade, the investments are significant and far-reaching. From improving health care and expanding opportunities for our students to modernizing transportation and protecting the Everglades, this budget reflects our shared priorities. Supporting seniors and veterans remains a cornerstone of our efforts. This budget boosts nursing home funding and provides millions to expand long-term care in high-demand areas. Veterans' nursing homes, including those near Miami-Dade, will receive critical maintenance dollars to ensure these facilities remain a dignified places for those who served. Education funding reached historic levels. Miami-Dade schools received a $154 million increase, translating into nearly $185 more per student. Early learning programs also saw a significant increase in funding. At Miami Dade College and Florida International University, major investments will expand STEM programs, improve medical training and build facilities that prepare students for high-demand careers. Transportation and infrastructure remain top priorities. Nearly $650 million will support roads, bridges, rail and public transit across the county. The budget includes $100 million to jump-start development of the Kendall Parkway, a new expressway that will shorten daily commutes. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed several local transportation improvements we prioritized, like repairs to the Brickell Key Bridge and pedestrian safety upgrades in Little Havana. In protecting our natural resources, more than $54 million will restore water flows in South Dade and the Everglades National Park, along with $20 million dedicated to improving the water quality of Biscayne Bay. At Zoo Miami, a new facility will care for rescued manatees — an important step in protecting Florida's wildlife. Children and adults with developmental disabilities also benefit from new investments to expand care and support services. Funding will help programs that provide crisis intervention, residential treatment and job training so individuals can gain independence and families can access the help they need. We prioritized initiatives like the Sunrise Community's kitchen renovation designed to empower people with disabilities, but it was unfortunately vetoed by the governor. We also worked to support innovative community programs and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations. While we prioritized expanded legal services for victims of abuse and other initiatives to strengthen communities, those efforts were likewise vetoed. At the same time, we recognized that every dollar spent is a dollar entrusted to us by the people we serve. That's why the Florida House insisted on slowing the growth of recurring spending. We redirected a small portion of transportation revenue to the general fund to keep our budget balanced without cutting core services. The result is a budget that prioritizes the people of Florida over politics. It's proof that conservative principles — living within our means, protecting taxpayers and planning for the future — can produce results that strengthen our communities. Our work isn't over. In the years ahead, we must stay vigilant, continue to demand accountability and ensure that every tax dollar delivers real value. That's how we'll keep Florida ready for whatever comes next. Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican, is speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He was sworn in as House speaker in November 2024 for a two-year term.
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade schools to lose millions after federal grant cancellations
The U.S. Department of Education has halted funding to several longstanding grant programs that serve low-income and vulnerable students, a move that could cost Miami-Dade County Public Schools more than $45 million in the coming school year. The funding, which was approved by Congress in March and expected to be distributed starting July 1, would have supported migrant education, teacher development, English-language instruction, and other services for high-need populations. 'As the significant bulk of this funding is tied to students, including our most fragile student populations, we pray that they do not become permanent—which could result in catastrophic learning and life consequences for children and families across Miami-Dade,' said Steve Gallon, vice chair of the Miami-Dade school board. Nationwide, the cuts affect at least 18 grant programs totaling more than $8 billion, according to the Department of Education's 2025 budget summary. Among the programs cut: $375 million for migrant education$2.2 billion for professional development$890 million for English-learner services$1.3 billion for academic enrichment$1.4 billion for before- and after-school programs Florida alone stands to lose about $396 million, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The grant programs have been replaced by a new initiative, the K-12 Simplified Funding Program, which will distribute $2 billion in flexible block grants to states. The Dept. of Education's budget summary says the change gives states 'flexibility to deploy these resources in a manner consistent with the needs of their communities.' But education advocates warn that because the money is not targeted, students with the greatest needs may not receive support. This is not the only federal funding loss affecting Miami-Dade. In February, the Department of Education also terminated a $9.26 million grant awarded to Miami-Dade schools under the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program. The five-year grant was meant to support a project called Edu-PARTNERS, aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers in high-need schools. The program included a partnership with Miami Dade College and mentorship opportunities for new educators. According to the grant application, Edu-PARTNERS aimed to increase teacher diversity and promote greater equity in student access to quality instruction. Miami-Dade was one of more than 30 grantees selected in the 2024 competition. But on Feb. 12, the department issued a formal termination notice, ending the grant immediately. No public explanation was given for Miami-Dade's termination. A Department of Education employee reached by phone said they had no information on individual grant cancellations but noted the TQP program has existed since 2008 and has historically funded successful partnerships between school districts and educator training institutions. Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College, said the institution remains committed to its mission. 'Despite the grant cancellation, we continue to expand our teacher preparation and education programs,' she said, citing the school's teacher academy and apprenticeship offerings. The cancellation has alarmed local and national education leaders. Tony White, president of the United Teachers of Dade, said in a statement that 'canceling any program that helps with our county's teacher shortage is harmful to the students of this district.' The TQP program, authorized under the Higher Education Act, is the only federal initiative specifically focused on building sustainable educator pipelines in under-served communities. Its sudden cancellation is part of a broader shift by the Trump administration, which says many of the defunded programs no longer align with its goals. According to the department's budget summary, the elimination of these programs is expected to save taxpayers $2.13 billion in fiscal year 2026. For Miami-Dade students, the long-term cost remains unclear. This story will be updated.
Los Angeles Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Employers say AI skills aren't just for tech majors anymore. How colleges are responding
By the time Christian Vivas enrolled in a new artificial intelligence program at Miami Dade College, he had already experimented with using ChatGPT to help him write emails to clients of the creative media studio he owns. Vivas, 37, said most of his classmates were like him — adults well into their careers looking to learn how to use AI, or use it better. Thanks to his classes, Vivas, who has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, has advanced way beyond using ChatGPT. He now employs AI in nearly every aspect of his work: generating images, videos, marketing plans and social media captions. 'It's integrated very deeply into our business now,' Vivas said. As generative AI technology is rapidly changing the labor market, employers are increasingly seeking AI skills for positions outside the technology sector, such as in healthcare, hospitality and media. To keep up, students are looking for ways to boost their AI skills and make themselves more marketable amid growing concerns that AI will replace humans in the workforce. There's evidence to suggest artificial intelligence may have already replaced some jobs. Entry-level positions are particularly at risk of being replaced by AI, a report from Oxford Economics shows. A global survey of more than 1,000 large businesses showed 41% expect to reduce their workforces within five years because of AI. But most companies — 77% — also plan to train their employees to 'better work alongside AI,' according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report in January. Last year, the number of online job postings that included generative AI as a desired skill grew 323%, to more than 66,000 from fewer than 16,000, according to a report from the labor analytics company Lightcast. Colleges are also motivated by these trends: They're adding AI to their course catalogs, and individual professors are altering lessons to include AI skill building. Miami Dade College, for example, debuted its artificial intelligence certificate program in 2023, just over a month after ChatGPT was unveiled. The program offers classes in machine learning, ethics and natural language programming, among other courses. Since rolling out the certificate program, the school has added associate and bachelor's degree programs in applied AI. 'We started developing this idea around the application of AI — how you can apply AI, how can you learn AI at a community college — where it is open to everyone, not just to a few who can get a master's or PhD,' said Antonio Delgado, vice president of innovation and technology partnerships at Miami Dade College. In 2022, the college also created Miami Tech Works, an organization that helps tech companies find skilled workers. Recently, more businesses outside tech have reached out to hire people who know how to use AI. Miami Dade College's programs have attracted students such as Vicky Cheung, who decided to enroll in the college's artificial intelligence awareness certificate program in 2024, after she was let go from the Miami hospital where she had worked for more than two decades. Cheung, who already had a bachelor's in business and a master's in health management, was looking into resume-building courses. She believes her AI courses, coupled with her work experience, helped her land her new job analyzing how to improve processes and workflow at a different hospital. Enrolling in the program showed employers 'that I'm trying to find a way to improve my skill sets,' she said. Schools across the country have announced programs similar to the one at Miami Dade College: courses in artificial intelligence in business settings and minors in AI marketed to students who are not computer science majors. But higher education institutions are not inherently nimble — and the technology is evolving quickly. Because generative AI is changing so rapidly, there's no one curriculum or credential schools are using, or can look to, as a guidepost. What these lessons look like and the rules about how students should use AI vary by institution, or even classroom to classroom. 'The problem we have is that AI is changing industries so fast that the textbooks, the curriculum — by the time you get it approved, it's relevant, but it's outdated,' said Josh Jones, chief executive of QuantHub, a company that works with schools including the University of Alabama and Emory University to add AI lessons. There are downsides for using generative AI as well — students can use the technology to cheat on assignments and some studies indicate college students who use AI on assignments are less engaged with their lessons and use it to jettison critical thinking. Higher education institutions acknowledge the risks, but also the need to prepare for students for the working world. For Derrick Anderson, who teaches public affairs at Arizona State University and is senior vice president at the American Council on Education, it's simple: If AI is a tool students will use at jobs, they should learn how to use it in his classroom. 'Because I'm preparing them for the job market, they need to know how to use generative AI ethically, but efficiently and effectively,' Anderson said. Now, instead of having students write an essay at the end of one of his public affairs courses, Anderson has them produce a video with the help of ChatGPT. One student in Anderson's class created a video about new technology that mimics the human brain. In the video, the student narrates as an AI-generated image of a model brain spins on the screen. Previously, one of Anderson's class assignments required students to write a memo; now, they have to write four different kinds of memos using ChatGPT and describe scenarios where they would be appropriate. 'It's a fundamentally different exercise that involves a much larger volume of content because content is so much easier to create,' Anderson said. The students in his classes have used their AI videos and projects in their portfolios when looking for jobs to show they have experience with these programs, even if they lack a specific degree or credential. Employers are looking for those kinds of demonstrable examples of AI skills from graduates, said Ken Finneran, vice president of human resources at the digital healthcare company eMed. Every department at eMed, from marketing to human resources to finance, uses generative artificial intelligence tools in some way, said Finneran, and the company expects prospective employees to have foundational knowledge of AI. This story was produced by the Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.
