May 14, 2025
Miami Dade College (MDC) has launched the Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program, offering students paid, hands-on learning experiences at tech startups.
Over the next two years, the program aims to place at least 200 students in eight- to 12-week internships, equipping them with skills and supporting local businesses.
The internship program, managed by The Idea Center at Miami Dade College through Blackstone LaunchPad, is supported by a $1 million grant from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and JPMorganChase.
The program will be carried out in partnership with Tech Equity Miami, a first-of-its-kind funder consortium deploying $100 million over five years to help create and expand pathways into tech-based careers. Using a co-funding model, MDC and participating employers will share the cost of student wages.
Blackstone LaunchPad also plans to elevate students’ internship experiences with a summer professional development series featuring expert-led workshops, inspiring speakers, and peer and professional networking opportunities.
By pairing professional development opportunities with real-world internships, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, said Maura Pally, executive director of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. This approach enhances students’ academic performance and equips them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the workforce, cultivating a new generation of capable and adaptable talent.
“Students with paid internships are twice as likely to land a job after graduation compared to non-interns – we’re doubling down on our commitment to their success and to Miami’s future,” she said. “By supporting opportunities that empower students, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy and helping Miami remain a hub for innovation and growth for years to come.”
While the growth in tech startups is impressive, Miami remains a small-business-driven city; supporting this dynamic ecosystem with strong talent is crucial for Miami’s economic development, said Maria Escorcia, Southeast head of Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase.
“A prosperous job market is the foundation of a strong economy, and by investing in the future of Miami’s workforce, the Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program will empower students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market,” she added.
MDC serves over 125,000 students from more than 160 nationalities. As a leader in workforce development, the college has a track record of connecting students with career-building opportunities through partnerships with organizations such as PortMiami, FIFA and other global industry leaders, added Madeline Pumariega, president of MDC. The Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program builds on this success by extending hands-on learning opportunities to students interested in Miami’s growing startup and small business sectors.
“At Miami Dade College, we are committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the jobs of the future,” she said. “By leveraging public-private partnerships and a collective impact approach, we are helping students secure meaningful career opportunities that benefit both them and the businesses that drive Miami’s economy.”
Original Source – Miami Today | Author: Abraham Galvin
