The Center for Community Impact and Public Purpose builds upon the work of the former Office of Engagement by facilitating the creation of meaningful engagement opportunities for our faculty, staff and students. The center exemplifies the university’s efforts to maintain the Carnegie Foundation's Elective Classification for Community Engagement and establishes plans for applying and maintaining additional Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications.
Top 5
in social mobility
Top 15
in innovation
Top 20
in undergraduate teaching
FIU is leading the efforts to address urgent situations, empower the community, provide resources and create long-term social change.
Experiential Learning in Technology
The South Florida Tech boom needs to fill thousands of open positions with qualified talent to continue its rapid growth and meet industry demands. FIU's Experiential Learning in Technology (ELT) program is dedicated to providing in-demand training to prepare participants for high-paying jobs in high-demand technology fields.
This program is open to current FIU students and alumni, and ELT network school students and alumni from Barry University, Florida Memorial University, Miami-Dade College, University of Miami and St.Thomas University.
Venture Miami Opportunity Program
Venture Miami cultivates talent through technology, social networking and access to capital.
Funded by JPMorgan Chase, Venture Miami provides targeted access and support to female founders of color in South Florida by engaging community-based organizations and potential investors.
South Florida Black Prosperity Alliance
The South Florida Black Prosperity Alliance (SFBPA) aligns advocacy efforts in response to COVID-19's disproportionate impact on the Black community in South Florida and historic economic access and mobility gaps. The alliance is comprised of leaders in business, civil rights and economics across the Tri-County area.
Launched in June 2020, The SFBPA is a direct-action recommendation coming from the Equity Action Advisory Group.
Urban Potential Laboratories
The Urban Potential Laboratories offer certificates and badges useful for working in middle-skill health care jobs, including the NOCTI-Medical Assisting Certificate and MDC Prior Learning Assessment Credit, in just 14 weeks.
Talent Development Network
Talent Development Network, a first-of-its-kind regional program, was pioneered by South Florida’s local academic and economic development institutions to create paid internship opportunities to foster the growth of university graduates and local businesses. FIU, along with six major academic institutions, works to link talented students with high-paying internships.
Life Sciences South Florida
Life Sciences South Florida is a partnership between universities, colleges, economic development agencies and research institutions that works to connect industry partners and world-class institutions to drive research and high-paying jobs in the life sciences industry within South Florida.
We're always on the lookout for meaningful connections and partnerships that help drive positive change within our communities. Let us know below how we can partner together to make a difference!
Bridgette Cram
Co-Executive Director
Anthony Rionda
Co-Executive Director
Anthony Teague
Director of Operations & Outreach
305-348-4436
ateague@fiu.edu
Vanessa Valdes
Operations Manager
305-348-9930
vavaldes@fiu.edu
Cynthia Rivera
Sr. Administrative Assistant
305-348-4460
cyntrive@fiu.edu
Umer Rahman
Program Director, Experiential Learning in Technology (ELT)
305-348-2599
urahman@fiu.edu
Alina Parbtani
Program Director, Experiential Learning in Tech (ELT)
305-348-0108
aparbtan@fiu.edu
Lauren Nieves
Program Coordinator, Experiential Learning in Technology
305-348-2124
lnieves@fiu.edu
Kenasha Paul
Director, Venture Miami Opportunity Program
305-348-7752
kpaul@fiu.edu
Priscilla Estarellas
Marketing Intern
305-348-7752
pestarel@fiu.edu
