UP Labs, an award-winning program, engages non-traditional and Pell Grant-eligible learners in a 14-week program designed to prepare them for middle-skills jobs in a variety of industries. With the support of JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, BAC Bradesco Bank, and Ware Foundation UP Labs works to meet the ever-changing needs in the labor market through hands-on workshops and training with REAL FIU faculty and staff.
177
UP Labs graduates since 2019
90%
of graduates are working
90%
of graduates are back at school
After just 14 weeks, UP Labs graduates will hold various certificates and badges useful for working in middle-skill healthcare jobs, including the NOCTI-Medical Assisting Certificate and MDC Prior Learning Assessment Credit. These jobs, which require more than a high school diploma but far less than a four-year degree, have been identified as in-demand by employers that have partnered with UP Labs. They also pay a living wage as defined by Miami-Dade County.
As part of the UP Labs training program, learners will spend two weeks job shadowing at partner hospitals across South Florida, such as Baptist Health South Florida and Memorial Healthcare. Upon graduation, participants will have access to a Career Coach who will help graduates find local job opportunities.
Diamond Lind knows what it's like to care for someone in need – she was her grandmother's primary caretaker before she passed away, and helps care for her family, who currently lives in poverty. But, Diamond just became the first registered nurse (with multiple job offers) after graduating from UP Labs Cohort II and earning her associate's degree from Miami Dade College. Read her story.
Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs.U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
