Top: Citrus Grove Middle students are among the more than 600 sixth-grade students recognized for completing ELEVATE MIAMI-Rites of Passage Program. Bottom: Mayor Manny Diaz, MDCPS Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew, ELEVATE MIAMI partners from Microsoft, James L. Knight Foundation, A T&T and PerScholas, unveil the model computer the 600 six-grade students will receive in the following days free of charge for completing the Rites of Passage Program. Photos: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

MIAMI, FL— City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew recognized today more than 600 sixth-grade students that have completed the ELEVATE MIAMI Rites of Passage  program during a ceremony celebrated Virrick Park.

“Our children are no longer competing just locally or nationally,” said Mayor Diaz. “Technology has removed our physical barriers and they now have to compete with others across the globe. With this Rites of Passage program we are helping them acquire the knowledge they need to be successful in the modern world.”

During the event, students got a sneak peek of the model of computer they will be receiving in the following days, free of charge, for their accomplishments. Dr. Crew and Mayor Diaz also presented each of the 12 participating schools with certificates for their accomplishments.

“I am very proud of these children’s accomplishments,” said Dr. Crew. “The public-private partnerships we have formed have allowed us to make essential tools available to students, help them achieve their individual goals, and enhance their participation in the global economy.” 

The unique partnership between MDCPS and the City of Miami has resulted in the creation of a life skills course that is being taught to sixth grade students that attend schools within the city. The students being honored at this ceremony completed the required coursework and also met important benchmarks in their school year, enabling them to receive the free computers to take home.

The ceremony also included student reflections about their experiences in the program and the presentation of a $125,000 check from AT&T for internet access for students’ families.  Other contributing sponsors include the Knight Foundation, Microsoft and Per Scholas.

About Elevate Miami

The unique partnership between M-DCPS and the City of Miami has resulted in the creation of the ELEVATE MIAMI Rites of Passage program, a life skills course that is being taught to sixth grade students who attend one of 12 Title 1 schools throughout Miami. Students who complete the required coursework and also meet important benchmarks in their school year receive a free computer to take home. 

ELEVATE MIAMI is part of Mayor Manny Diaz’s anti-poverty initiative which aims to develop a comprehensive program designed to prepare all citizens and businesses of Miami for a leadership position in the global economy.  The program establishes public and private partnerships that facilitate affordable technology, including mobile and low-cost Internet access, employability skills, and expanded economic opportunities for all participants.

ELEVATE MIAMI targets schools, parks, and senior centers as entry ways into the daily lives of city residents. The initiative encompasses: eSenior Centers, ePark Computer labs, and the Rites of Passage Curriculum with Miami-Dade Public Schools. 

For more information about ELEVATE MIAMI Programs, visit http://www.elevatemiami.com/. 


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 Elevate Miami
Rites of Passage into a Digital Community

Computer Distribution Schedule (Tentative)