Following the recent wave of immigrants, public schools in Miami Dade say they are ready to prepare them to achieve their goals in this country by offering them not only English studies, but also technical careers.
There are 60 programs to choose from at 21 Miami Dade County Educational Centers. One of the most requested is the one that the owner of this aesthetic has chosen. That of cosmetology.
Nely has her own beauty salon in Hialeah. Today, she feels fulfilled, but getting there has not been easy.
And while she was working, she was also studying cosmetology at one of Miami Dade Public Schools’ 21 adult technical training centers.
“This profession with those who offer it is quite cheap, because for us, as immigrants, it is very difficult to start a professional career at such a low cost”, explains Nely.
Dr. Susana Mauri, director of the Miami Dade Public Schools Office of Career and Technical Education, says, “We have 60 career programs throughout Miami-Dade County, as well as English classes and language. basic education for adults.
The courses are part of the Saves work-study program for refugees and asylum seekers.
“Miami Dade Public Schools Office of Career and Technical Education,” says Mauri.
It started in the district in 1996 offering services not only to Cubans, but also to Haitians, we have Colombians, Ecuadorians, Salvadorans, Syria and the Republic of Congo.
Currently they have 25,000 students studying technical careers which can take anywhere from 4 months to a year.
“The most popular are phlebotomy, cosmetology, nails and facials, and pharmacy technician,” says Mauri.
Enrollment is open year round and there is availability despite the fact that they have seen an increase in student numbers since the start of 2023.
“This means that the large wave or influx of immigrants that has arrived since January has increased by 40%,” says Mauri. “It’s a great opportunity for our immigrants, it paves the way for a new life that they came to this country for.”
For Nely, who is Colombian, working on what she loves has special meaning on this International Women’s Day.
“Embellish them so they feel important so they feel beautiful and see not just a person in a mirror but an empowered woman, who can achieve a lot,” Nely explains.
The Saves program offers night and day classes, and since they are federally funded, student costs are minimal. For more information enter HERE.