M-DCPS Secures $1.37 Million in FDOE Grants for Expanding Innovative Secondary and Postsecondary Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeships Programs

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) leads the state as the top recipient of three Pathways to Career Opportunities Grants (PCOG) applications totaling $1.37 million from the Florida Department of Education. The grant will fund the expansion of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, benefiting high school and postsecondary learners across key industries such as automotive service technology, diesel system technicians, data science, and culinary arts.  This significant allocation ensures that M-DCPS continues to lead the state in providing students at all levels with industry certifications and career-ready skills.

The three awarded grant applications totaling $1.37 million include:

·        An award of $834,664 to support postsecondary apprenticeship programs in automotive service mechanics, diesel off-road maintenance technicians, and diesel system technicians under the Office of Career and Technical Education.

·        An award of $217,905 to expand postsecondary pre-apprenticeship programs focused on automotive service assistors.

·        An award of $318,007 for secondary-level pre-apprenticeship programs in restaurant culinary arts and data science (Artificial Intelligence).

M-DCPS is the first school district in the State of Florida to receive approval to launch a secondary pre-apprenticeship pathway in Data Scientist (Artificial Intelligence) last year. The expansion of the Data Scientist (AI) pre-apprenticeship program will now grow to three additional school sites.  Receipt of these funds will also support the launch the Culinary Arts pre-apprenticeship pathway. 

M-DCPS students and teacher from culinary arts apprenticeship program at Miami Central Senior High School.

By emphasizing hands-on training, mentorship, and industry credentials, M-DCPS ensures that its students not only gain the technical skills required for success but also develop the professionalism and networking opportunities necessary to thrive in their careers. With the support of the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG), M-DCPS is expanding both secondary and postsecondary programs, creating a robust pipeline of workforce-ready individuals who are equipped to meet the demands of Florida’s key industries. This funding allows M-DCPS to offer students across all levels access to high-quality pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships, leading to immediate career opportunities or further education. The receipt of the PCOG further solidifies M-DCPS as the best choice for career and technical education in Florida, setting a new standard for educational excellence and workforce development.

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TOP CAPTION:  M-DCPS students from the automotive service mechanic certification apprenticeship program with Ron Miranda, Apprenticeship Instructor at Warren Henry Automotive Group, North Miami location.