The success of the logistics industry is often defined by speed, accuracy and technology, and early exposure to real-world systems can make all the difference for logistics professionals. Through a partnership with SC Codeworks, the school’s Business & Logistics Academy is transforming career education by bringing professional-grade warehouse management technology directly into the classroom, giving students hands-on experience with the same tools used throughout today’s supply chain industry.
The academy’s success reflects Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ commitment to connecting classroom learning with workforce needs through innovative career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand industries.
At Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy, one of M-DCPS’ innovative 6-12 academy models, students are actively learning about supply chains and how to run them.
Preparing the Next Generation of Logistics Leaders at Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Career
The Business & Logistics Academy was created with a clear mission: connect students to real career opportunities in one of Florida’s fastest-growing industries.
The academy’s growth comes at an important moment for Miami Springs. Recently reimagined as Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy, the school now offers students a seamless educational experience from middle through high school, providing earlier access to advanced coursework, career academies, athletics, and industry-aligned learning opportunities. The model reflects M-DCPS’ commitment to innovation and expanding educational choice for families.
Developed with support from industry partners, including sponsorship from Prologis, the program was designed to create a direct pipeline between education and employment. Students gain exposure to logistics careers early and build the skills needed to step into those roles with confidence.
“We work closely with local industry partners and organizations to help students transition directly into logistics careers. This is real workforce development in action.” (Nicolas Acosta, a program representative)
By exposing students to career pathways earlier in their educational journey, Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy is helping students make informed decisions about their futures while developing relevant workforce skills.
Bringing a Warehouse to Life in the Classroom
What sets Miami Springs apart is its immersive, hands-on approach. Inside the school, students train in a fully simulated warehouse environment, complete with a classroom warehouse setup, forklift simulators and equipment, real-world shipping and receiving workflows, as well as inventory tracking and pallet-building exercises.
At the center of it all is SC Codeworks’ WMS, which powers daily operations in the lab. Students use the platform to:
- Process inbound and outbound shipments
- Generate pick lists, packing slips, and bills of lading
- Conduct inventory counts and reconciliation
- Manage workflows that mirror real warehouse environments
Students are able to utilize the same type of system used across today’s supply chains.
Why Real Technology Matters
Students are learning logistics concepts in real time using industry-standard tools. This hands-on exposure significantly reduces the learning curve when entering the workforce.
“Students benefit tremendously from actually using industry software. It makes them far more attractive to employers and gives them confidence from day one.” (Acosta)
The result is a classroom experience that feels more like an actual job.
Industry Partnership with Purpose
For SC Codeworks, the decision to donate its platform was driven by a bigger vision.
“When we learned about the program at Miami Springs, we were inspired by the opportunities it creates for students. We wanted to contribute in a meaningful way by helping bring real-world experience into the classroom.” (Tony Baldwin, Director of Sales and Implementation)
That contribution reflects a broader industry need. Supply chains are evolving rapidly, driven by automation, data and emerging technologies like AI. As a result, companies are looking for talent with both technical and operational expertise. Introducing students to these tools early helps build a workforce that’s ready to meet those demands.
Preparing Students for a Changing Industry
Today’s supply chain careers span far beyond the warehouse floor. From operations and systems management to analytics and process optimization, the field offers a wide range of opportunities. Programs like the Business & Logistics Academy expose students to that full spectrum.
“The supply chain industry keeps the world moving. And as technology continues to evolve, it’s critical to prepare the next generation with the right mix of skills.” (Amy Dean, VP of Operations at SC Codeworks)
By integrating technology into daily instruction, Miami Springs is equipping students with both the practical knowledge and technical fluency required in modern logistics roles.
A Model for Career-Focused Education
The success of Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy demonstrates how academic excellence, innovation, and strong industry partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for students.
By combining industry partnerships, hands-on training environments, and access to professional tools, Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy is helping students gain real-world experience before graduation. Through programs like the Business & Logistics Academy, students develop the technical knowledge and confidence needed to pursue college, industry certifications, and careers in one of the nation’s most essential industries. The program reflects both the school’s commitment to student success and M-DCPS’ broader mission of providing innovative educational choices that prepare students for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Business & Logistics Academy at Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy?
It is a career-education program created to connect students to real opportunities in one of Florida’s fastest-growing industries. Developed with support from industry partners (including sponsorship from Prologis), it builds a direct pipeline between education and employment, giving students early exposure to logistics careers and the skills to step into them with confidence.
How does SC Codeworks support the program?
SC Codeworks donated its warehouse management system (WMS) to the academy, where it powers daily operations in the school’s simulated warehouse lab. Students use the same kind of professional platform that runs real supply chains, rather than learning on simplified or generic software.
What do students actually do with the WMS?
Inside a fully simulated warehouse environment (complete with forklift simulators, real shipping and receiving workflows, and inventory tracking), students use the SC Codeworks WMS to process inbound and outbound shipments, generate pick lists, packing slips, and bills of lading, conduct inventory counts and reconciliation, and manage workflows that mirror real warehouse operations.
Why does using real industry software matter for students?
Learning logistics concepts in real time with industry-standard tools significantly reduces the learning curve when students enter the workforce. As one program representative put it, it makes them far more attractive to employers and gives them confidence from day one: turning the classroom experience into something that feels more like an actual job.