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Listen to our latest interview here about how higher education unlocks opportunity with Helios Education Foundation’s Stacy Baier.
"Postsecondary education is more than a destination; it is a catalyst for boundless potential, shaping the future of students, communities, and our economy."
– Paul J. Luna, Helios Education Foundation, President and CEO
Education is a powerful engine for Miami’s economic growth. When students enroll and graduate, the benefits extend beyond individual success—strengthening businesses, fueling job creation, and boosting local tax revenue. The Florida Future Billions Report, released by Helios Education Foundation, highlights just how transformative this impact can be.
"If we just looked at increasing college completion by itself and we increased it by 10%, we would see almost $8 billion annually to the state in terms of additional tax revenue, societal benefits that could be used for some of the other investments we need to be making across the state of Florida to make our state stronger," says Stacy Baier, Senior Vice President of Florida Community Engagement, Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Helios.
For Miami-Dade, this means $2.4 billion in additional revenue—money that could be reinvested into infrastructure, business innovation, and workforce development.
Listen here to Baier’s full conversation about investing in education and the impact across the region in our latest Opportunity Miami interview.
Partners in Progress: Strengthening Miami’s Talent Pipeline
Building a strong workforce takes collaboration. The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Office, CareerSource South Florida, OIC South Florida, The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County, YWCA, United Way, Women’s Fund, WOT Educational Services, and other key organizations, is working to create a more resilient and skilled talent pool that aligns with Miami’s growing economic needs.
At the forefront of this effort is the Academic Leaders Council, an initiative under Beacon’s Opportunity Miami platform that brings together top education leaders from Florida International University (FIU), Miami Dade College, the University of Miami, Florida Memorial University, Barry University, St. Thomas University, and Miami-Dade Public Schools. These institutions are working together to ensure students are not just enrolling in college but completing their degrees and transitioning into high-wage careers.
"The fact that you [Opportunity Miami] have an Academic Leaders Council and you're bringing them together and bringing their expertise to help to inform what is their role in the talent pipeline creation, running alongside what the Beacon Council is elevating is critically important," Baier added.
By strengthening the connection between education and industry needs, Miami’s leaders are creating pathways that equip students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in the local economy.
From Early Learning to Career Success
A student’s journey to higher education doesn’t start in high school—it starts in early childhood. Research consistently shows that third-grade reading proficiency is one of the strongest indicators of future academic success. Yet, for many families, access to high-quality early learning programs is limited, leaving young learners without the foundation they need.
"I will call them childcare deserts. In some communities, access to any place is almost impossible. Access to high quality is more limited," Baier noted. "There's so much research out there that talks about the importance of brain development in those early years."
Without early investment, students are already behind before they even step into a classroom.
"If we wait until high school, we’ve already missed critical years," added Baier. By strengthening early education, literacy, and access to quality childcare, Miami is laying the groundwork for a more workforce-ready future.
The High School-to-College Challenge
Even high-achieving high school students face obstacles when transitioning to college. Many who qualify for AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses aren’t encouraged to take them, missing out on a key advantage that increases their likelihood of success in higher education. Others struggle to navigate college admissions and financial aid processes without proper guidance.
"We know when students take those accelerated courses, the coursework itself sets them up for more successful engagement in post-secondary ed," explained Baier.
Without proper access and encouragement, students may miss opportunities that would set them up for long-term success. By removing barriers and ensuring access to advanced coursework and college preparation programs, Miami is empowering more students to graduate high school fully prepared for college and career opportunities.
What’s Next: Turning Research into Action
The research is clear: Education isn’t just about individual success—it’s the foundation of Miami’s economic future. A strong, skilled workforce fuels business growth, attracts investment, and drives long-term prosperity.
Now, it’s time to translate research into action.
Join us on April 23rd at Miami Dade College for the Education as Economic Power panel, where Helios will present its latest research, and our Academic Leaders will share progress on the 2040 Talent Goals. (Read the full report here.)
This event is a critical milestone in Miami’s journey toward a stronger, more competitive workforce. *Seats are limited. Please register here.
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~ Opportunity Miami