HEAT: HEAT Academy: History

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HISTORY

1999	The first HEAT Academy site was established at Paul L. Dunbar Elementary in the historic Overtown district of Miami.
2001	Our second HEAT Academy site was unveiled at Little River Elementary which resides in the Little Haiti area of Miami.
2002	Our third HEAT Academy site to date opened its doors at Riverside Elementary & Community School in the Little Havana area of Miami. The grand opening was attended by then Commissioner of Education and current Governor of Florida, Charlie Crist.
2003	Carnival Cruise Lines, in an event attended by Kendrick Meek, member of the United States House of Representatives, announces the kickoff of their Carnival Scholarships to benefit HEAT Academy students. The scholarship program provides fifteen (15) fully paid college scholarships annually to deserving HEAT Academy students upon graduation. The annual scholarship monies are donated by Carnival Cruise Lines with a match from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
2005	The Miami HEAT is named the 2004-05 winner of the Florida Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award for HEAT Academy. Each year the Commissioner of Education recognizes worthy business partners for their commitment to improving the academic performance of Florida school students and for their outstanding public service. The Business Recognition Awards program verifies the interest and dedication of businesses that want to make a difference in education. Specifically, the program honors those organizations that work with their local school districts to increase high student achievement, promote greater government efficiency, and strive for a safe learning environment -- three goals of the Florida Department of Education.
2006	Riverside Elementary becomes the first HEAT Academy site to achieve an “A” status on their FCAT School Grade. Riverside Elementary made gradual, but steady gains over the years since the inception of HEAT Academy – improving from a “D” in 2001 to a “C” in 2002 and then a “B” in 2005 before eventually achieving “A” status in 2006.
2008	The Miami HEAT receives the John I. Smith Award for its HEAT Academy after school educational initiatives by the Miami-Dade Coalition for Community Education at the 2008 School House Awards ceremony. The John I. Smith Award, which was named after a founding coalition member, is given to the person or organization that exemplifies support of “community education through overwhelming generosity, outstanding resources, visionary educational solutions to social challenges and unwavering commitment to the welfare of students and families.” The School House Awards are held yearly to recognize educational and community advocates who demonstrate exemplary support of community education.
2011	As part of the 2011 NBA Finals, the Miami HEAT unveiled a new Learn & Play Center at Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, which provides students with a safe place to play and state-of-the-art technology to help them explore their educational interests. The Center was renovated as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan. HEAT players were on hand to help the boys and girls cut the ribbon on their transformed space, which showcased a reading area stocked with new books, a play space featuring gaming equipment, and a technology area outfitted with brand-new PCs and printers. The Center also features new flooring, tables, cabinets, desks, chairs, and bookcases.