Memorial Scholarship

The Patrick. F. Hidalgo Scholarship Fund at Miami Dade College will provide scholarships, mentorships and other support resources to students at MDC’s acclaimed Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Educational Center in Liberty City. The Meek center is steps away from where Patrick established his Miami office in Overtown.

The Patrick. F. Hidalgo Scholarship Fund was established after Patrick passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of March 2, 2020 at the young age of 41. Patrick was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. Upon hearing of this tragedy, his friends around the world, through the leadership of his former Obama Administration colleague and friend, Stephanie Valencia, rallied to establish a legacy GoFundMe in his honor. Given his love of entrepreneurship and policy, the Hidalgo family-Manuel Sr., Ellie, Rosie, Manny and Bibi Hidalgo- decided to endow the fund at Miami Dade College for students with demonstrated need and unlimited talent and desire to become a CEO of their own company. Many others have since joined the effort, including Patrick's 1997 classmates, and his brother Manny's 1987 classmates, from Belen Jesuit Preparatory High School in Miami; Patrick's classmates from Georgetown University, Harvard Kennedy School, and MIT Sloan School of Business; his former colleagues from President Obama's Administration, and many other friends and family members.

The two first scholarship award recipients were announced on March 2, 2024. Together with MDC, the Hidalgo family would like to double the amount of the scholarship fund March 2, 2025, so that at least five students can win Patrick F. Hidalgo scholarship awards annually and in perpetuity. We encourage donors to also consider making a monthly, tax deductible donation to the Patrick F. Hidalgo. scholarship fund. All donations will go a long way toward helping students from the surrounding area complete the program and support their families along the way.

The Meek Center has a particular focus on educational opportunities in entrepreneurship, entrepreneur-led seminars and mentoring sessions, business-related programs, technology, community development and vocational programs that prepare students for today’s workforce and emerging industries. It has a full range of student and academic services including advisement, career counseling, financial aid, tutoring, and a food pantry. Students can complete requirements for an associates degree or attend as a convenient, centrally located site for additional classes.

Learn more at https://www.mdc.edu/meek/.