Building on an initial BTE partnership in Miami (1997-2000), the second BTE partnership became a major part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools' school-to-career initiative emphasizing high-skill, high-wage orientation of careers, one of the largest such initiatives in the country.
This partnership enhanced the biomedical career academy at North Miami Beach Senior High School and replicated the BTE model at two additional high schools. In addition to the Cordis summer internships in project planning, operations, and research, students participated in personalized learning, mentoring opportunities, fieldtrips, and "hands-on" learning. At institutions of higher education, summer enrichment focused on basic training, equipment exploration, and other preliminary science curriculum in the biomedical industry.
High school students were paid for their participation and had the opportunity to earn up to nine college credits towards an Associate in Science degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology.
