Patrick Dwyer Boston Private | Miami Philanthropy News in Education

There are many wonderful causes and organizations to support around Miami. Many philanthropists choose to focus within a niche they connect with, while others contribute to a wider variety of causes. Despite the donor’s style, education is a consistent field of interest to contributors, as it has direct impact on the future of our children and the world as a whole.

Here is some news about education-focused philanthropy in Miami.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and Broward Counties

Last month, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa organized a Luau as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. The Hawaiian-style event featured live music, Polynesian food, and some VIP guests from the Miami Dolphins team, including head coach Mike McDaniel, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips. Over $25,000 was raised to benefit the two counties.

Big Brothers Big Sisters believes in the potential of every child and aims to provide one-on-one role models to youth from underprivileged backgrounds. Part of the programming includes an education branch, guiding high school students to success in continued education. Services include: preparation for standardized testing, understanding finances in higher education, college applications, scholarships, and career development.

University of Miami

The University of Miami announced earlier this year that it has been gifted a large share of a donor’s estate. The bequest values at over $25 million, and will be used to benefit various programs. The three main focal areas are languages, women’s health, and women’s golf. The significant donation will enhance the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, support research in women’s health at the Miller School of Medicine, and offer scholarships to members of the women’s golf team.

Miami-Dade County Academic Summer Programs

As the country begins to emerge from the darkness of the pandemic, districts are planning how to best use the federal COVID relief aid. As 20% of the funding is required to be spent on academic recovery, many schools are planning summer classes and programming. Additional resources to support these programs are being donated by philanthropists. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has allotted $120 million to supplementary education over the next four summers. Last summer, the county offered a 10-week program in 179 schools. Many Florida districts will also offer enrichment activities, such as music or art, in addition to traditional school studies.

Even within the field of education, there is a wide variety of philanthropic opportunities. Thanks to generous contributions such as these, so many people in Miami of different ages and backgrounds will be given the chance to learn and grow in ways that would otherwise be impossible.