Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to establish and enhance magnet schools with targeted industries

Resolution establishes partnership through Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s Actively Investing in Miami-Dade Initiative

(MIAMI, July 16, 2013) – The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners voted on a resolution, sponsored by Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa, to establish a formal partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools in order to establish and enhance industry-focused magnet schools through Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s A.I.M. (Actively Investing in Miami-Dade) Initiative. 

The resolution was heard at the Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, and received unanimous approval of the Board.  The A.I.M. Initiative is focused on developing, recruiting, and retaining the future workforce needed to make Miami-Dade a top global community. It is a comprehensive strategy that coordinates Miami-Dade County’s efforts in the areas of talent development and retention.

“I’m excited about the potential that these schools concepts represent for our youth and for our broader community, as they can become transformative forces that contribute to a brighter future for Miami-Dade County,” said Mayor Gimenez. “By working with our partners at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Beacon Council and throughout our community, I’m confident that we’ll be successful in this endeavor.”

The concepts for the magnet schools being considered are as follows:

• a Tech Entrepreneurship Acceleration Magnet (TEAM) High School in partnership with the Venture Hive, which would focus on developing specialized skills in computer science;
• a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet High School, which would build upon the success of the Zoo Magnet program at Richmond Heights Middle School;
• a Logistics and International Trade Magnet High School, which would focus on the development of a trade and logistics curriculum, and also prepare students with the appropriate certifications to be qualified for entry level positions at Miami International Airport and PortMiami;
• and a Performing Arts Industry High School, which would focus on the performing arts industry and be based out of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. 

Mayor Gimenez is working with the County’s official economic development partner, The Beacon Council, to advance strategies that will promote talent development, recruitment, engagement, and retention.  

The Beacon Council’s One Community One Goal initiative, which is co-chaired by the Mayor, has emphasized that the way communities invest in learning and skills development is a key factor to consider when building an infrastructure that supports healthy communities, businesses, industries, and quality of life. The A.I.M. Initiative’s various County mentorships, internships, and opportunities for future employment are designed to provide real and valuable work experiences, helping young professionals to develop the analytical skills and entrepreneurial drive that are sought out in all industries and business settings.  For more information on the A.I.M. Initiative, please visit www.miamidade.gov/aim.