Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Bridging Education and Workforce Through Strategic Partnerships

2024
Miami Dade College
https://www.mdc.edu/
FloridaManny Perez
High Level of Learning, Experiential Learning, Employer Partnerships and Collaborations, Regional Significance and Labor Market Analysis
Miami Dade College and Amazon Web Services (AWS) established a partnership in Fall 2022 where they worked closely together to adopt and infuse AWS cloud computing curriculum within the Information Systems Technology baccalaureate degree. This cloud curriculum is a specialization in the Information Technology BS degree. The initiative involved identifying and selecting faculty involvement, creating faculty professional development opportunities, reviewing AWS curriculum and software, modifying and creating curriculum to align with AWS, integrating AWS industry certifications within curriculum, and creating student experiential learning opportunities via AWS industry engagement events and capstone projects. The curriculum provides for the knowledge needed for both on premise and cloud computing expertise. The capstone projects occur with AWS partners thereby enhancing the capstone experience and possible job placements. Another valuable part of the partnership is “Cloud Day”, a joint event between MDC and AWS to focus on cloud computing and careers available in this field.
This partnership ensures graduates from the baccalaureate in Information Systems Technology possess the skills, knowledge, and competencies sought after by employers. In addition, for working professionals graduating from the program, an industry-aligned degree provides opportunities for career advancement and upward mobility. By acquiring specialized skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market, they can qualify for higher-paying positions, leadership roles, and new career pathways. Moreover, the MDC and AWS partnership provides students with access to industry experts, mentors, and resources, enriching their learning experience and enhancing their professional development.
Industry Partnerships