Miami Dolphins give $1 million to bring City Year to Miami Gardens schools

The Miami Dolphins are investing in Miami Gardens schools through a $1 million partnership with City Year Miami that will place Americorps members from the organization in two high schools in the city over the next four years.

The funding was announced at one of the schools, Norland High, during a news conference Tuesday morning. On hand were elected officials, representatives from the Dolphins, and City Year, who said the partnership would give assistance to young people in the city.

“All it takes for those kids is a helping hand and a helping hand can change a life for a lifetime,” Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said.

The City Year members will also work at Carol City High and the funding from the Miami Dolphins Foundation will be supported by the Fins Weekend fundraiser taking place May 14-16.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, whose district includes Miami Gardens, said it means a lot that the Dolphins chose to invest in the two high schools. She said the partnership with City Year should benefit both the workers and the students.

“It serves the corps members because they get a different experience as far as an urban environment and an urban experience,” Jordan said. “The young corps member also gives their experience and an opportunity to share how they can help the young people.”

Tom Garfinkel, the team’s president and CEO, said he hopes the foundation can fund additional programs in the city in the future. Last December, the foundation partnered with the NFL Foundation to give $50,000 for renovations at two Miami Gardens parks.

“We can make a commitment to the schools here in Miami Gardens, where the Miami Dolphins call home, and impact the kids right here in Miami Gardens with this mentoring, with this commitment,” Garfinkel said.

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Miami Dolphins give $1 million to bring City Year to Miami Gardens schools."