M-DCPS Employees Get Tuition Help Through New Grand Canyon University Partnership

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Grand Canyon University (GCU) have announced an expanded scholarship partnership, designed to support the educational advancement of M-DCPS high school graduates, support personnel, and their families.

“This partnership underscores our continued commitment to supporting the professional learning and career growth of our dedicated support personnel,” said Dr. Dawn M. Baglos, Chief Human Capital Officer for M-DCPS. “By expanding access to higher education, we are investing directly in the people who make our schools thrive every day.”

GCU will offer a tuition scholarship to current M-DCPS support staff who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies program through the Participants in Learning, Leading, and Serving (PLLS) Program. The agreement reflects our shared commitment to investing in the professional growth of school support staff and strengthening the District’s educational workforce.

The one-year scholarship term will remain in effect through the 2025–2026 academic year, with opportunities for renewal and continued collaboration.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Highlights:

·         Tuition discount for M-DCPS support personnel pursuing the Educational Studies bachelor’s degree.

·         Tuition discount for paraprofessionals and classified employees enrolling in select online bachelor’s programs.

·         Tuition discount for M-DCPS faculty, staff, governing board members, and parents of enrolled GCU students.

·         Annual institutional award for qualified M-DCPS senior high school graduates accepted to GCU.

·         Access to professional development opportunities, test preparation sessions, and virtual “LIVE Lessons” led by GCU faculty.

Through this collaboration, GCU and M-DCPS will jointly:

·         Provide informational sessions, marketing materials, and career pathways to support employees.

·         Offer access to Canyon Professional Development workshops and educational resources.

·         Facilitate college visitation programs, live classroom lessons, and employer network connections through GCU Career Connections.

·         Coordinate ongoing communication to ensure employees are aware of scholarship eligibility and benefits.

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