Our Mission
To improve the quality of life in underprivileged and inner city areas within Miami and beyond through targeted and customized workforce training and gainful employment supported by holistic services to enable sustainability.
What We Do
The Hospitality Institute is a Miami Dade College workforce development initiative designed to provide low-income residents with a bridge to job opportunities in the local hospitality industry.
Providing training, encouragement and jobs, the Hospitality Institute is turning lives around while supporting the workforce needs of the local hospitality industry. Striving to break the cycle of poverty, The Hospitality Institute is a beacon of hope in the heart of Miami's underserved neighborhoods.
The Hospitality Institute delivers hospitality, culinary, job readiness and customer service at various sites throughout Miami-Dade County including Wolfson Campus, North Campus, Homestead Campus, Gibson Education Center, and Camillus House in Overtown. Participants are referred to our training programs through community outreach organizations, shelters, churches, and CareerSource South Florida.
Participants are exposed to various hospitality/restaurant operations, customer service, job applications and resume preparation, interview skills, basic computer skills and employability skills. Training is provided by experienced Miami Dade College instructors, chefs and local industry experts, as well as other passionate volunteers. Participants have the opportunity to receive industry recognized certifications upon successfully passing the required exams.
Participants who complete training are offered ongoing case management services and assistance with job placement. They also receive personal mentoring and counseling to keep them motivated not only to find a job but to enroll in courses at Miami Dade College to obtain a College Credit Certificate or degree.
Many community organizations lend tremendous support to the Hospitality Industry, adding to its success. These include local businesses, non‐profits outreach organizations, educational institutions, government agencies and volunteers. By connecting our community, we are bridging the gap to opportunity.
The Hospitality Institute is funded through grants from CareerSource South Florida, the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, and through generous donations from foundations and industry.
