Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MDC Launches American Dream Scholarship, Expanding College Access to Thousands Annually
Dear Colleagues:
Those of us at Miami Dade College have been changing lives since 1960. We are about to do it again.
We all know that to fully participate in our current economy, a high school diploma is not enough, even though it is a necessary first step. The question is not whether students should go to college, but how to make it happen.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the American Dream Scholarship. This program covers in-state tuition for two years of college (60 college-level credits) at Miami Dade College for all high school graduates from Miami-Dade County who may not have sufficient aid or none at all. To receive the scholarship, students must:
- Have a cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.00 or above
- Be ready for college-level courses, based on standardized test scores
- Have applied for federal financial aid
The scholarship would cover any tuition or class fees remaining after any financial aid or other scholarships are applied. For additional provisions and details, please visit our American Dream Scholarship website.
The American Dream Scholarship has the full support of President Obama’s Administration. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who tried to be with us today to take part in this momentous announcement, but had a scheduling conflict, sent this statement: “Community colleges must play a critical role as we work to lead the world in college graduates by 2020. Initiatives like the American Dream Scholarship at Miami Dade College will help us achieve this goal while making college a reality for thousands of students.”
The American Dream Scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of members of the greater Miami community. In celebrating MDC's 50th anniversary this academic year, the community broke all records for philanthropic giving, creating a new avenue of possibility for students. These benefactors recognized the importance of a college education, and the quality of education provided by Miami Dade College.
Thank you.
Eduardo