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Overview

To aid Reboot Representation in attaining their goal to double the participation of Black, Latinx, and Native American women in computing by 2025, a comprehensive approach was designed to support MDC women through the 2-year to 4-year pathway to a bachelor’s degree in computing. Leveraging evidence-based practices, this program provides community, access, support, and role models.

Selected participants will receive support for four (3) academic years starting Fall 2021 term.

Educational supports include:

  • Science & Math fast track courses for AA in CS scholars
  • Emerging technology
    (EmTech) bootcamps
  • Technical interview preparation 
  • Academic mentorship
  • Paid summer research opportunities (REU) at FIU
  • Paid summer internships
  • Summer bridge program at FIU
  • Women in Tech Speaker Series - Tech Up Space
  • Women Empowerment workshop – #IamRemarkable
  • LIFT program graduation ceremony

Eligibility

  • Be a full-time student at MDC
  • Must be a freshman (earned less than 30 credits) in an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Computer Science OR a senior (earned more than 70 credits) in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in technology (cybersecurity, data analytics, or information systems technology) at MDC upon admittance to the LIFT program
  • Have a cumulative MDC GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completed or currently enrolled in College Algebra (MAC1105)

benefits

  • Receive semester scholarships or stipends up to ($3,000) based on merit and financial need
  • Conduct research during summer (paid stipend and limited spaces)
  • Participate in summer internship (paid stipend and limited spaces)
  • Dedicated mentoring
  • Activities and courses to prepare for success in computing career and transfer to FIU
  • Year-long speaker series (Tech Up Space)
  • Tech community engagement - networking, interviews, and more with industry professionals
  • Assistance transferring to FIU

Leadership Team

Elodie Billionniere

Dr. Elodie Billionniere, Senior Associate Professor at Miami Dade College

Dr. Billionniere holds a doctoral degree in computer science from Arizona State University, a master's degree in higher and postsecondary education with a concentration in leadership from Arizona State University, and a bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of Montana. She teaches programming (Python and Java), cloud (database), information management (MIS) courses. With professional experiences in web application development, software engineering, quality assurance, data analytics, and cloud computing, Dr. Billionniere aims to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups. She was awarded the 2021 Northern Trust Bank of Florida Endowed Teaching Chair, 2019 Educational Leadership- College-Level Promotion Education by the Women of Color STEM, 2018 South Florida’s Top Black Educator, and Phoenix’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2011.