Miami awards $250,000 in grants to science and tech educational groups
The city of Miami is awarding $250,000 in grants to five local educational organizations that run science and technology programs.
Venture Miami, a $3 million city department created with the support of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, is providing the grant money to groups that teach youths how to code and provide other computer science training.
“Venture Miami has identified several avenues to provide access to high-quality, high-paying jobs, upskilling and retraining, small business support and digital transformation with the focus on expanding diversity and inclusion within the tech industry,” Suarez said on Thursday as he announced the grants.
The mayor said by granting each organization $50,000, the city was steering public dollars toward well-established community initiatives to improve science, math and technology education for a diverse group of students.
The groups that received the grants are Breakthrough Miami, DoGood41, NFTE, Dibia Dream and CodeArt.
“We believe that there’s untapped talent in these underserved communities,” said Max Joseph, program director for DoGood41. “And we believe the next generation of doctors, scientists, coders, engineers, live in these communities.”
Joseph was flanked by two teenagers who are part of DoGood41’s program and teach computer science and robotics to their peers. He said as a Little Haiti resident who grew up in Miami, organizations such as his seek to bridge gaps in education, especially in underserved neighborhoods. He said the goal is to give kids what they need to pursue successful careers.
“We understand the issues and underserved communities. When I sit across the tables, in D.C. and Tallahassee, the table doesn’t look like me,” said Joseph, who is Black. “I understand the issue when it comes to racial equity and technology.”
READ MORE: Black Miami leaders strive to build a tech presence that reflects the area’s diversity
The grants are the latest contributions to educational tech programs that Venture Miami has funded. The department, led by Executive Director Erick Gavin, has funded multiple initiatives meant to promote the tech industry in Miami and support education.
In July, the city partnered with Time magazine to sell 5,000 digital art pieces to support artists and generate revenue for the city. In October, Venture Miami raised about $4 million, including $500,000 from the city, to fund scholarships for Miami students accepted into science, technology, engineering or mathematics programs at several South Florida universities.
