Education Secretary Betsy DeVos visited Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus Friday, calling student debt in the United States "a significant issue."
DeVos toured classrooms, engaging with students at the Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex and the Ideas Center for Small Business.
It was DeVos' second day in South Florida. On Thursday, she visited Florida International University and SLAM Charter School, founded by Miami native and pop superstar Pitbull.
"I'm very optimistic about the future of this area based on the tremendous opportunities that are being afforded to the young people and students in Miami-Dade," DeVos said.
During her trip, DeVos has said the Trump administration is in the midst of budget discussions and its focus is to empower states and municipalities when it comes to education. And on Friday, she also addressed how student loans are a significant issue.
"Student debt and loans are a very significant issue for us to deal with and as our president has said multiple times and I have reiterated it's an area of focus for us going forward, how can we make higher education more affordable for more students," DeVos said.
Miami Dade College has gained national attention as the largest institution of higher education in the United States and it also serves many international students. Friday's walkthrough provided the secretary a perspective on the many programs at the college.
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"We affectionately call Miami Dade College democracy's college. Why? Because we have students from 190 nations who speak 90 languages studying at Miami Dade College," said Juan Mendieta, director of communications.
"It's not only a cross-section of the United States but is a cross-section of the world so I think for her to see the inclusion, the unity that we have here in Miami Dade College is very important."
DeVos visited Royal Palm Elementary School earlier Friday.
