Thanks to an anonymous $10 million donation, Miami Dade College is planning to expand its groundbreaking American Dream Scholarship program, which supports the college in its role as a pioneer in the national effort to provide access and affordability.
The American Dream Scholarship, which was created in 2011, provides high-school graduates from Miami Dade County, the opportunity to get a college education without having to incur debt from student loans.
The scholarship covers fees not already covered by financial aid, grants, the Florida Prepaid College Plan or other scholarships. The scholarship program covers up to 60 credits toward the completion of an associate in arts degree or an associate in science degree.
Since its inception, more than 17,000 students have qualified for the American Dream Scholarship. About 55 percent of American Dream Scholars graduate within three years compared to the 25 percent national average for all community college students. In addition, 88 percent of American Dream Scholars re-enroll in the subsequent fall term, compared to the 55 percent national average. Moreover, MDC’s American Dream Scholars have a collective grade-point average of 3.3 compared with 2.8 for all MDC students.