Carrie P. Meek Center: Homestead Career Boost

Homestead residents looking to advance their careers have a local resource at the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center. The center, an outreach of Miami Dade College's North Campus, provides educational pathways in entrepreneurship, business, technology, community development, and vocational training.

The Meek Center offers a supportive learning environment designed to equip students with skills for the current job market. The center provides admissions, registration, academic advisement, career counseling, financial aid, workforce scholarships, and tutoring. Students also have access to a computer lab and a food pantry.

Students can pursue full credit degree programs, certificate programs, and vocational training at the Meek Center. Tutoring is available in math, English, and reading, along with library services. The center allows students to complete general education requirements for associate degrees or take individual classes.

Several certificate programs prepare students for rapid career entry. The Early Childhood Education – Administrator certificate requires four classes, all transferable to an associate degree, and prepares participants for State of Florida Department of Children and Family credentials. Network Security offers a certificate after five classes, training students for CompTIA certifications. The college covers the cost of one certification exam. The Crime Scene Technician certificate involves nine classes and trains students in forensic investigation techniques. Digital Marketing Strategy provides a six-class certificate, including preparation for a Facebook Industry certification. Graphic Design Support offers a four-class certificate to prepare students for roles such as Graphic Design Assistant.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can enroll in the Business Entrepreneurship Start-up Venture program, which offers a certificate after four classes. This program trains students to develop business plans and may offer opportunities to compete in a business plan competition. Tuition and textbook scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for this program.

The Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center is located at 6300 NW Seventh Ave., Miami, FL 33150. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can contact the center at 305-237-1900 or submit an online inquiry form.