Black Woman-Owned STEM Nonprofit Receives $4M To Launch Smart Health Hub Initiative In Miami, FL

Samantha Dorisca
·2 min read

The Smart Tech Health Hub will be making its way to Miami, FL.

According to a news release provided to AFROTECH™, $4 million has been awarded to the S.E.E.K. (Seeking Education Empowers Knowledge) Foundation Inc., a nonprofit launched by Anike Sakariyawo, in order to make that possible. The foundation, which focuses on STEM education, community involvement, and health and wellness for children ages 3 to 18 plans to open the four-story building in Opa-Locka, a suburb of Miami. This will facilitate access for residents, children, and their families to STEAM education, workforce re-entry programs, and broadband service, dismantling existing entry obstacles. The hub will also provided basic essential health services.

Its presence is being described as “the first of its kind in the city” as there has not been a technical facility in the area nor a high school.

“The partnership with the Miami Foundation’s Digital Equity Collective program has been pivotal in advancing this initiative,” Sakariyawo said in a news release. “We are looking to provide Opa-Locka community members of all ages access to educational resources and pathways to STEM careers to children and adults, and a space to innovate and follow individual curiosity.”

Locals can expect the building to be up and running by December 2026. The first and second floors will be geared towards STEAM education and daily operations and serve as a destination for children and for staff members. Educational offerings will include a pipeline program to support students in industries such as:

  • USDA – food

  • Agriculture

  • Artificial intelligence (AI)

  • Cybersecurity

  • Coding

  • Robotics

  • UI/UX Design

The third floor will be designated for children and their families to receive care for their health needs such as annual shots and vaccinations, back-to-school boosters, and telehealth services.

“We are looking to partner with local public health entities, county health departments and federally qualified health centers,” explained Sakariyawo, according to the news release.

S.E.E.K. also recently joined South Florida Motorsports (SFM), the organizers of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the City of Miami Gardens to launch the F1 in Schools program in Miami. The program introduces students to STEM fields by providing them with the opportunity to build their own miniature F1 car.