Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more equitable society for motivated students, has extended its SEO Scholars program to Miami-Dade County. This eight-year academic program is now open to local ninth-grade students, offering them the opportunity to receive free education and mentorship as they progress through high school and college. With an impressive 85% graduation rate, SEO Scholars aims to support students from similar backgrounds who typically face lower graduation rates nationally. Miami marks the fourth city where SEO has introduced successful educational programs, following its initiatives in New York City, San Francisco and North Carolina.
“According to recent data from U.S. News & World Report, nearly 55 percent of the Miami-Dade County Public School student population is economically disadvantaged,” says William Goodloe, president and CEO of SEO. “Through SEO Scholars Miami, we will close the opportunity gap for students to get them to and through college. Based on our experience in New York City, San Francisco, and North Carolina, we know that this is achievable and that the program will have an immense impact on the futures of Miami’s young people.”
SEO has existed for over 60 years and supports approximately 2,500 students from low-income backgrounds annually through its Scholars program. Every year, all SEO Scholars are admitted to four-year colleges and universities across the United States. Of those students, 85% successfully graduate with a bachelor’s degree and 80% are first-generation college graduates.
“Having served academic programs in Miami for close to 20 years, I acutely understand the need for SEO Scholars here, and I appreciate SEO’s vision and dedication to bringing the program to the Magic City to close the opportunity gap once and for all,” says Margarita Mesa, Executive Director of SEO Scholars Miami. “Through SEO Scholars Miami, we’ll have the incredible opportunity to help make college a reality for well-deserving, hard-working students across Miami-Dade County, starting with those who began high school during the 2024-2025 academic school year.”
Starting in February 2025, ninth-grade students will be able to participate in the additional academic program offered both online and in person. Throughout the program, students will receive over 600 extra hours of academic instruction, equivalent to 1.5 years of math and 2.5 years of English language arts. As part of a summer enrichment program, students can complete internships, travel abroad, and take college prep courses. As they advance through the 11th grade, participants of SEO Miami Scholars will receive personalized guidance from mentors and college advisors, who will assist them in creating college lists, drafting personal statements for college admissions, and applying for scholarships and financial aid.
Ninth-grade students residing in Miami-Dade County and attending a Miami-Dade County public high school can apply and enroll in SEO Scholars Miami through its website for free. Selection for the program is based on various criteria, including academic standing, first-generation college student status, family income level, and the ability to thrive in an academically rigorous program. The application period is open and closing on Dec. 6, 2024. The inaugural SEO Scholars Miami class is expected to feature 60 students.
SEO Scholars Miami anticipates assisting hundreds of students over the next eight years, beginning in ninth grade and guiding them through college. The total costs for the program are projected to exceed $30 million. So far, SEO has garnered financial support from local and national leaders and organizations, securing a $1 million grant from The Knight Foundation.
Orlando Bravo, a board member of SEO and the Founder and Managing Partner of Thoma Bravo, is leading the expansion of SEO Scholars Miami and will be the Chair of the SEO Scholars Miami Board. Alongside Bravo, other influential business and community leaders such as Henry Kravis, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of KKR; Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel; Jon Paul “JP” Perez, President of Related Group; Bill Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; and Scott Collins, Managing Director & COO of Summit Partners, L.P., have generously provided leadership gifts to facilitate the launch of SEO Scholars Miami.
“Over the last few years, Miami has expanded exponentially as an innovation hub, a diverse community, and a thriving business market,” Bravo says. “This is exactly why I chose to open a Thoma Bravo office here and to make the city my home, too. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that the next generation in this great city is given every opportunity to thrive as active citizens, young scholars, and future leaders. I’ve seen the remarkable impact SEO Scholars has had on underserved students in other markets, and I profoundly understand the potential for the program to help further propel Miami-Dade County students forward as they seek to establish their own paths toward academic and professional success.”
