Miami Dade College and CanWe Partner to Expand Opportunities for Student Connection and Campus Engagement
The collaboration brings an innovative approach to helping students discover shared interests, connect with peers and participate in campus life across MDC.
MIAMI, FL (November 4, 2026) – Miami Dade College (MDC) through a new partnership with CanWe, a Miami-based technology company that uses artificial intelligence to facilitate social connections around shared interests and activities, is expanding opportunities for students to connect with one another and become more engaged in campus life.
MDC students across the College’s eight campuses will have access to CanWe’s social navigation platform, which is designed to help users discover communities, identify common interests and connect with others through shared activities. The initiative complements the College’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and engaging student experience and foster a stronger sense of campus community.
CanWe was officially introduced to students on Wednesday, Nov. 4, during an event at MDC’s Kendall Campus where students had the opportunity to learn about the initiative and use the platform to discover interest-based communities and connect with fellow students.
“At Miami Dade College, we recognize that the student experience extends well beyond the classroom. Creating opportunities for students to connect with their peers, explore shared interests and participate in campus life is an important part of building an inclusive and supportive college community,” said Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College. “This partnership allows us to explore how emerging technologies can complement those efforts and help students make the most of their time at MDC.”
Research shows a strong connection between campus involvement and student satisfaction and well-being. According to an Inside Higher Ed survey, 77% of students who participate in extracurricular activities for just one to five hours a week report being satisfied with their campus involvement, compared to only 42% of students who don’t participate. The findings reinforce the importance of helping students connect, build friendships and find a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
CanWe uses AI to facilitate introductions based on common interests and encourage connections in person. For example, students interested in fitness, cultural activities, volunteer opportunities or study groups can discover others with similar interests and find opportunities to participate together.
“We’re the first generation of founders building in a world where AI can talk to you like a friend. We decided to build the opposite: AI whose only job is to get you to a real one. Every student deserves to walk onto campus and find their people. MDC is proving that a college this big can still feel like a community, and we want to make it the friendliest college in America,” said MDC alum Ernesto Argüello, co-founder and co-CEO of CanWe and an MDC Hall of Fame inductee.
About CanWe
CanWe is a Miami-based social navigation platform that uses artificial intelligence to help people discover communities, identify shared interests and make connections through in-person activities and experiences. Founded by Ashley and Ernesto Argüello, who serve as co-founders and co-CEOs, the platform is designed to facilitate meaningful social interactions and help people find communities aligned with their interests. Learn more at canwe.app.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #3 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, three AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
