City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and City Manager Dr. Emilio T. Gonzalez have announced a gift of $50,000 to create the Eduardo J. Padrón Completion Scholarship Fund to support Miami Dade College students close to completing their degrees or certificate programs.
The fund will be awarded to 50 students this year in time for MDC’s upcoming “I AM MDC Day” on Sept. 6.
As part of the City of Miami’s Pathway to Prosperity Initiative, the new scholarship fund will give students the opportunity to more closely focus on their courses and complete their degrees while reducing the financial pressure to work full-time. Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 to support tuition and fees.
“By accelerating program completion for students in the final year of their degree at MDC, this scholarship enables students to graduate, start their careers, and become active participants in our community’s future,” noted Mayor Francis Suarez in a recent press release announcing the scholarships.
HOPE
More than 80 percent of students rely on financial assistance to attend MDC.
“Our hope is that students who receive this scholarship will benefit from the extra boost to reach the finish line, and we know they will go on to successful careers and be the change makers of tomorrow because of the foundation they received at MDC,”said Dr. Lenore Rodicio, MDC executive vice president and provost.
Dr. Padrón will step down in the fall, after nearly 25 years as president and 50 years of service to MDC.
