MDC announced today the launch of the Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program, offering students paid, hands-on learning experiences at tech startups and scalable small businesses across Miami’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the next two years, the program will place at least 200 students in 8–12-week internships, equipping them with valuable skills and supporting local businesses.
The internship program, managed by The Idea Center at Miami Dade College through Blackstone LaunchPad, is supported by a $1 million grant from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and JPMorganChase. The program will be carried out in partnership with Tech Equity Miami, a first-of-its-kind funder consortium deploying $100 million over five years to help create and expand pathways into tech-based careers. Using a co-funding model, MDC and participating employers will share the cost of student wages ($20/hour), making it easier for businesses to host interns while ensuring students gain meaningful, industry-relevant experience.
Blackstone LaunchPad will also elevate students’ internship experiences with a dynamic summer professional development series featuring expert-led workshops, inspiring speakers, and peer and professional networking opportunities. Designed to help students excel in their roles from day one, this program also builds the social capital and connections they need to drive long-term career success well beyond the internship. By pairing professional development opportunities with real-world internships, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application. This approach enhances students’ academic performance and equips them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the workforce, cultivating a new generation of capable and adaptable talent.
Investing in the Local Startup and Small Business Ecosystem
Miami’s tech startup ecosystem is thriving. To sustain this momentum, it is critical to cultivate a skilled, job-ready workforce that meets the evolving needs of local businesses.
“Students with paid internships are twice as likely to land a job after graduation compared to non-interns – we’re doubling down on our commitment to their success and to Miami’s future,” said Maura Pally, Executive Director of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. “By supporting opportunities that empower students, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy and helping Miami remain a hub for innovation and growth for years to come.”
While the growth in tech startups is impressive, Miami remains a small-business-driven city; supporting this dynamic ecosystem with strong talent is crucial for Miami’s economic development.
“A prosperous job market is the foundation of a strong economy, and by investing in the future of Miami’s workforce, the Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program will empower students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market,” said Maria Escorcia, Southeast head of Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase. “We are excited to collaborate with Miami Dade College to help create pathways to employment in high-demand industries.”
Creating Pathways to Career Success
MDC serves over 125,000 students from more than 160 nationalities. As a leader in workforce development, the college has a proven track record of connecting students with career-building opportunities through partnerships with organizations such as PortMiami, FIFA, and other global industry leaders. The Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program builds on this success by extending hands-on learning opportunities to students interested in Miami’s growing startup and small business sectors.
“At Miami Dade College, we are committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the jobs of the future,” said Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College. “By leveraging public-private partnerships and a collective impact approach, we are helping students secure meaningful career opportunities that benefit both them and the businesses that drive Miami’s economy.”
Working in Community
This program aligns with a larger collective impact initiative in Miami-Dade County that removes entry barriers into the tech industry and expands economic opportunities in the 305.
By partnering with Tech Equity Miami, the program is tapping into a wide local ecosystem of employers who are committed to building a tech talent pipeline for their startups and small businesses. “Miami’s innovation economy continues to grow, and connecting students with opportunities to gain real-world experience is key to ensuring a strong talent pipeline,” said Johanna Mikkola, CEO and co-founder of Tech Equity Miami.
“Miami-DadeCounty is proud to support initiatives like the Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program that create meaningful opportunities for emerging talent,”said Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County. “This program is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can open doors and fuel the growth of our local innovation economy. I commend the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and JPMorganChase for their investment in Miami-Dade’s future. This investment is about empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders to transform passion into purpose—and dreams into lasting careers.”
About Blackstone Charitable Foundation
With a commitment to fostering career and economic mobility, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation leverages its financial and human capital to support initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps and strengthen communities. Blackstone LaunchPad advances career mobility through skill-building and internships. Open to all first generation and low-income college students, the program partners with higher education institutions and mission-aligned nonprofits to train students in key career skills, then gives them access to paid internships at Blackstone, Blackstone portfolio companies and startups.
About JPMorganChase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.4 trillion in assets and $351 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is one of the nation’s largest and most accessible institutions, serving over 125,000 students across eight campuses and outreach centers. With more than 300 degree pathways, MDC plays a critical role in workforce development and economic growth in Miami. Through The Idea Center, a Blackstone LaunchPad member, MDC serves over 10,000 people annually through workshops, mentorship, and resources that foster entrepreneurship and business growth.
About Tech Equity Miami
Tech Equity Miami is a first-of-its-kind funding consortium committed to investing $100 million over five years to eliminate barriers to entry in the tech industry and expand economic opportunities for students and small businesses. By vetting community-focused initiatives and matching funders with high-impact projects, Tech Equity Miami is driving economic and workforce growth across the region.
About Miami-Dade County Office of Innovation & Economic Development
The Miami-Dade County Office of Innovation & Economic Development is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and sustainable economy by expanding access to careers in high-growth industries. Through the Future Ready Economic Development Plan, the office collaborates with public, private, nonprofit, and academic partners to support job creation, small business development, and workforce advancement.
For more information about the program, please call The Idea Center at Miami Dade College: 305-237-3141.