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Application deadline: Two weeks before term starts

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Eligible College Credit Certificate Programs

Accounting and Budgeting

Closeup of a woman's hand working with an accountant calculator

The College Credit Certificate in Accounting & Budgetingwill prepare students for entry-level jobs in the accounting and budgeting field. It covers areas such as taxation for business, financial and managerial accounting as well as the use of accounting software in organizations. Credit earned can be applied towards the AS in Accounting Technology. This program leads to industry certifications as Certified Bookkeeper and Certified QuickBooks User.

Business Entrepreneurship Operations - Start-Up Venture

Five multi-ethnic business people gather in boardroom

The College Credit Certificate in Business Entrepreneurship Operations - Start-Up Venture is designed to prepare students for employment in entry-level positions or for opening their own business or venture. The start-up venture certificate covers areas such as funding your venture, marketing in a digital world, and lean start-ups. This program leads to industry certifications in Certified Bookkeeper, Certified QuickBooks User, and Entrepreneurship and Small Business certificate.

Business Intelligence Professional

A IT professional reviews information with an abstract background of computer related items

The College Credit Certificate in Business Intelligence Professionalprepares students with a skill set that leads to producing financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports; devising methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources and synthesizing current business intelligence or trend data to support recommendations for action. This program leads to an industry certification in Microsoft certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate.

Chef’s Apprentice

Plate of carrots in a sauce with a menu under the plate

The College Credit Certificate in Chef's Apprentice is designed to prepare students with a theoretical and practical foundation for a successful career in the culinary industry. Credits earned can be applied to an Associate in Science degree in Culinary Arts Management, which may be transferrable to upper division public institutions.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Three cybersecurity analysts working together

The College Credit Certificate in Cybersecurity Analyst offers essential cybersecurity skills and knowledge needed to secure networks, and infrastructure, and use strategies to reduce the risk of incidents. The program curriculum offers hands-on learning to defend against cyber-attacks and the opportunity to prepare for in-demand careers. This program leads to industry certifications in CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, Certified Network Defender(CND), and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).

Digital Marketing Specialist

Woman creating a digital marketing campaign on a laptop and cell phone

The College Credit Certificate in Digital Marketing Specialist is designed to prepare students to build and execute a marketing plan using digital tools to design, distribute, promote, and price a product or service. Graduates will understand how to connect with consumers using multiple digital platforms to create effective targeted promotional campaigns.

Early Childhood Education - Administrator

The College Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education Administrator program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage a quality childcare program or to provide supplementary training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. These courses (with an additional course) can lead to an industry certification in the National Child Development Associate.

Early Childhood Education - Child Development Early Intervention Specialization

The College Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with a specialization in Child Development Early Intervention prepares students as early childhood educators who can identify learning differences in young children and meet their educational needs. These courses (with an additional course) can lead to an industry certification in the National Child Development Associate.

Early Childhood Education - Early Childhood Education Inclusion Specialization

The College Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education - Early Childhood Education Inclusion Specialization is an introductory CCC for care practitioners who need training in addition to their initial credentials provide high-quality early childhood education for all children. These courses (with an additional course) can lead to an industry certification in the National Child Development Associate.

Early Childhood Education - Preschool

The College Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education - Preschool prepares students as early childhood education caregivers with a preschool specialization or provides supplementary training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. These courses (with an additional course) can lead to an industry certification in the National Child Development Associate.

Emergency Medical Technician

A EMT professional uses checks on a patient within an ambulance

The College Credit Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician program provides learning experiences that enable the student to acquire and assimilate the necessary technical competencies to function effectively as an EMT responding to medical emergencies in the pre-hospital environment, as well as in emergency rooms, clinics, and ambulance services. This program leads to industry certifications in First Responder Training, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Enterprise Cloud Computing

Two IT professionals review cloud servers in a dimly lit server room

The College Credit Certificate in Enterprise Cloud Computing program is designed to provide an opportunity to establish a foundation in architect scalable, highly available application solutions that leverage cloud computing services. Utilizing best practices focusing on cloud security, cost, and reliability, graduates of the program will utilize core design patterns and infrastructure expertise to implement solutions to deploy and maintain workloads and applications. This program leads to industry certifications in CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud Essentials, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

Graphic Design Support

A Mac computer is shown with graphic design supplies on top of a desk

The College Credit Certificate in Graphic Design Support prepares students with occupational skills in the creation and production of promotional materials for print, multimedia, and the Web, including the selection and arrangement of text and graphic elements to communicate a message. This program leads to an industry certification in Certified Professional in Visual Design

Help Desk Support Technician

Technician working on a computer tower

The College Credit Certificate in Help Desk Support Technician is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge and skills for employment as entry-level computer help desk and support technicians in commercial, industrial, and government institutions. This program leads to an industry certification in CompTIA, A+, and CompTIA Network+.

Infant/Toddler Specialization

The College Credit Certificate in Infant/Toddler Specialization prepares students as early childhood education caregivers with an infant/toddler specialization or provides supplementary training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. These courses (with an additional course) can lead to an industry certification in the National Child Development Associate.

Lean Manufacturing

A supervisor reviews a project with two staff members centered around a computing device placed on a table

The College Credit Certificate in Lean Manufacturing prepares students for initial employment with an occupational title as a Quality Specialist or Lean Specialist in various specialized areas. It also can provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. These courses can be applied to the Associate of Science in Advanced Manufacturing.

Pattern Making and Construction

A young woman works on a pattern

The College Credit Certificate in Pattern Making and Construction prepares students to fulfill the essential roles of machinists, patternmakers, and pattern cutters in the growing fashion industry. Classes focus on the technical skills and basic textile knowledge required to fill positions as entry-level positions in fashion construction/manufacturing.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies

A woman with virtual reality goggles with the overlay of a computer simulation is shown

The College Credit Certificate in Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies program of study includes real-life practical projects, interviews with industry leaders, information on industry growth, and opportunities for content creators, developers, and other entrepreneurs. In addition to offering quality instruction and practical knowledge, the material covered in this course includes an introduction to virtual and augmented technologies, game engines, and virtual reality platform development.

Logistics and Transportation Specialist

Logistics and Transportation Specialist

The College Credit Certificate in Logistics and Transportation Specialist is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the transportation, distribution, and logistics industry. The program covers a wide range of topics to ensure that students understand the various aspects of supply chain management and related business practices. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the efficient and effective management of supply chains in various organizations.

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MDC cares about making your college experience easier. We'll help you pay for school using a number of available options. View our other financial incentive programs, general financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

MDC Foundation Workforce
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Supporting the MDC Foundation Workforce Program Fund enables peers to gain expertise in high-demand fields.

Your donation propels peers towards college credit certificates, equipping them for success in todays's competitive job market

FAQs

MDC’s Kick-Start Program funds College Credit Certificates that lead to in-demand, high-wage occupations. It provides financial support to those individuals who are seeking to upskill and retrain to succeed in the current job market and enhance their economic mobility.

This program covers tuition for any of the nineteen approved College Credit Certificates listed on the Kick Start website, after any qualifying financial aid is applied. Additionally, scholars will receive a $250 book stipend per semester.

This scholarship is available for applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • Be admitted to Miami Dade College: Apply to MDC
  • Qualify for in-state residency: Florida Residency
  • Provide documentation confirming Florida residency.
  • Be registered in any of the nineteen approved College Certificate program listed on the Kick Start Program website.
  • If applying for the EMT program, meet the Program Requirements: EMT CCC Requirements.
  • Have computer proficiency when applying to any of the technology related programs.

To begin the application process, eligible candidates apply online at the Kick Start Program website: https://www.mdc.edu/kickstart/ and click on the "Apply Now" button, completing the questionnaire, and submitting the form. Upon submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email and, within 48-72 business hours, will be contacted to verify their acceptance into the Kick Start Program and receive instructions on how to proceed.

The Kick Start Program is an ongoing scholarship, available while funds last. Applicants must apply at least two weeks before classes start, as the scholarship cannot be applied retroactively.

  • Applicants must apply before the term starts since this scholarship cannot be applied retroactively.
  • Scholars must submit their class schedule to kickstart@mdc.edu every term to be considered for tuition and book stipend.
  • The Kick Start Program does not cover repeated or withdrawn courses.
  • The Kick Start Program ONLY covers the tuition for courses related to the selected College Credit Certificate Program at the time of application.

To ensure maximum program effectiveness and student benefit, the Kick Start Program only funds one academic program at a time. Scholars must complete their initial College Credit Certificate (CCC) before reapplying for another program.

The Kick Start Program is a scholarship that offers funding for individuals interested in pursuing any of the nineteen approved short-term College Credit Certificate programs which are stackable career ladders towards and associate in science degree. Scholars receive an institutional College Credit Certificate upon completion of their declared program which will be sent to their MDC student email.

An advisor will be able to add your selected College Credit Certificate program. Alternatively, you can complete and submit the Student Request for a Change/Add of Academic Plan/Program to the Advisement Office to request the addition of the program.

At Miami Dade College students have various attendance options to fit their needs:

  • MDC In-person: Take classes on campus.
  • MDC Blended: Take classes on campus.
  • MDC LIVE: Learning Interactively in a Virtual Environment: Take virtual classes from anywhere and interact in real time with professors and classmates on scheduled days and times, as you would in person.
  • MDC Online: Online classes with the option to complete coursework on your own time and at your own pace, while still meeting weekly and term deadlines.

Some programs may require you to apply for FAFSA. Ask your advisor to inform you whether you need to complete a FAFSA application.

All applicants receive a notification confirming the status of their application. If you do not hear from us within 48 - 72 business hours from the date of your application, feel free to reach out by emailing kickstart@mdc.edu

Miami Dade College offers various scholarship opportunities for new, continuing, returning, and transfer students. Please visit the Financial Aid website

You can contact Kick Start Student Success at kickstart@mdc.edu or you can call 305 237 3887. You can also Book time with Book time with Hilaire, Roseline

  • The Kick Start Program collaborates with the Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing Department to encourage scholars to get certified and be reimbursed for the cost of eligible Industry Certifications exams. This helps students build a strong, competitive resume that brings more opportunities for better-paying jobs.
  • All MDC students who are interested in improving their English language skills also have access to EnGen, an English language learning upskilling platform oriented towards workforce readiness skills. Kick Start Scholars have a more personalized experience and easier access to the platform at https://getengen.com/mdc-kickstart-page For more information, contact kickstart@mdc.edu.