Office of the President

The Innovation Lab at MDC

Driving a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Lab at MDC is an exciting new initiative designed to harness the creativity and innovation of our faculty and staff. This dynamic space is open to any employee, including Presidential Innovation Fellows, across our eight campuses with an idea on how to make Miami Dade College a more efficient, forward-thinking institution.

Whether it’s enhancing student experiences, streamlining administrative processes, or improving campus sustainability, the Innovation Lab at MDC is the place to explore and develop your innovative ideas.

The initiative, which will be housed at The Idea Center, will be launched this year with an initial cohort of Innovation Lab Fellows who will all be working toward a common goal: making Miami Dade College a leader in educational innovation.

Fellows will participate in a five-month program that will include a monthly workshop and sessions with mentors who will help them develop and test their innovation ideas. The experience will culminate with a pitch event to senior leaders across the College. The top three ideas will be presented at Conference Day 2025 and receive funds to be implemented Collegewide.

The Innovation Lab at MDC is grounded in the belief that everyone has the potential to contribute valuable insights that can drive positive change. By fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving, the Innovation Lab at MDC aims to empower the college community to take ownership of their ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned innovator or someone with a fresh perspective, the Innovation Lab at MDC welcomes your contributions to making our institution a more efficient and effective place to learn, work, and grow.

Speaker at a podium MDC employees at a table

How will the Innovation Lab at MDC work?

Speaker at an MDC event Planning session with employees at the Idea Center

Attend our info session on September 5, 2024 to learn more about the opportunity.You can register for the info session here.


Apply by September 13, 2024 at 11:59pm. You don’t need to attend the info session to apply. You can apply here.


All applicants will be invited to attend a half-day workshop on September 20, 2024 to further refine their innovation ideas and submit a final proposal.


Proposals can be submitted by an individual or a team of up to three people.


Several proposals will be selected to receive support from the Innovation Lab at MDC. Each person selected will become an Innovation Lab Fellow and receive a financial award.


Fellows will be expected to continue testing their ideas from October 2024 – February 2025. This will include attending a monthly workshop and mentorship sessions.


Fellows will pitch their innovation ideas to senior College leaders in February 2025.


The top three ideas from the pitch event will be presented at Conference Day 2025 and receive funds to scale their ideas.

Innovation Starts With You
Become an Innovation Lab Fellow

Information Session

We will hold an info session at 9:30am on September 5, 2024. Register below.

Information Session Sign Up

Application

The application will close on September 13, 2024 at 11:59pm. Be sure to apply before then.

Submit Your Application