Connect4Success - Miami Dade College
Institution:
Miami Dade College
State:
Florida
Academic Level:
Associate
Issue Area:
Support Services
Program Focus:
First Year Support
Key Personnel:
Adam Porro
Contact Info:
Overview
Miami Dade College (MDC) and Florida International University (FIU) have collaborated to create the Connect4Success (C4S) program. The mission of the program is to establish a guided transfer pathway that facilitates the admission of MDC Associates of Arts (AA) degree graduates to FIU baccalaureate programs. The C4S program has two overarching goals: 1) Providing students with access to postsecondary educational opportunities, and 2) Develop support mechanisms for timely degree completion.
Program Description
From its original conception in 2006 as a Dual Degree Program, C4S has evolved while building on Florida’s 2+2 framework. Approximately 70% of MDC Associates of Arts completers transfer to FIU with the goal of completing a baccalaureate program, which was the main catalyst in creating a structured, seamless process for students to transfer to our partner institution. The program offers wraparound services beginning with a comprehensive onboarding. After applying to the program, students are assigned an MDC Pre-College advisor who guides them from application through enrollment. Advisors serve as the liaisons to key holistic support services such as Learning Resources, Student Life, Single Stop, and Mental Health Counseling. Students benefit from appreciative advising, extensive co-curricular opportunities, and career and transfer workshops.
Outcome
Over 70% of C4S graduates who complete an AA at MDC within 3 years matriculate at our partner university.
Of C4S students, 53% complete their MDC Associates degrees within 3 years with an average GPA of 3.2. (Historically, this represents 15-20 percentage point increase versus the overall 3-year college average).
C4S students have higher fall-to-spring retention rates at 95% versus 83% and fall-to-fall retention rates, 88% versus 65%, respectively.
