Former MDC Student Focused at Princeton

Daniel Yantani Coto graduated from Everglades Preparatory Academy High School in 2023, and two years later graduated from Miami Dade College–Homestead with a string of honors and accomplishments almost too lengthy to list.

He is continuing his drive for excellence at Princeton University and has been named a 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow. A press release from Miami Dade College explained this is the nation’s highest honor for student engagement leadership with the following title: “Recent Miami Dade College Graduate Daniel Yantani Coto Named a 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow.”

Earlier this year, he was awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive award that provides up to $55,000 annually to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Coto, who graduated from MDC in May, is now pursuing a degree in economics with minors in political economy and applied and computational mathematics at Princeton University. He will join 151 Newman Civic Fellows from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico as part of the 2025 cohort, who are nominated annually by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors.

His dedication extends beyond academics, the press release noted.

“Coto served as president of the Homestead Campus’ Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, where he led the award-winning Honors in Action project with the Neva King Cooper Educational Center. In addition, he was a peer advisor with the Institute for Civic Engagement & Democracy, an active member of Future Business Leaders of America, and president of the campus’ Special Smiles Club, which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

“His civic leadership record is equally impressive, with more than 540 hours of service completed — earning him the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award. He achieved bronze, silver and gold levels on MDC’s Civic Action Scorecard, and served as a peer advocate for MDC’s Poll Workers Are Heroes campaign. Coto also participated in the Unify America College Bowl, played a leadership role in a local school board campaign, interned with the City of Homestead’s city manager and volunteered 60 hours with Special Olympics. Through programs such as Net Impact’s Up to Us, he further expanded his civic engagement portfolio.”

After leaving their native Costa Rica, Coto’s single mother worked multiple jobs determined for her children to have a better life. He exemplifies her spirit through his vision to help others find better lives through a path most don’t consider.

“I knew I wanted to study monetary economics after taking AP Macroeconomics through FLVS,” Coto said in an email exchange. “But it was after my experiences volunteering in public service that I decided my career path would be economic policymaking. I want to analyze economic data, understand how economic realities are mapped onto models, and use the tools of monetary policy to promote economic well-being.

“I will pursue a major in economics with minors in political economy and applied mathematics. My goals after earning a bachelor’s degree are to continue to graduate school to study economics. I want to intern at Federal Reserve banks and government agencies to gain experience in economic analysis and policymaking. My ultimate goal is to have a position at the Fed and do work that improves people’s lives.”

Despite initial hesitation, his time at MDC–Homestead proved invaluable.

“Do not be afraid to pursue less traditional paths after high school,” Coto said. “I was honestly scared of going to community college instead of a four-year institution, but MDC and the help I received from its Honors Program is the reason why I am here today. So, embrace what you think will be ultimately the best for you.”

To learn more about MDC–Homestead and the Honors Program, visit www.mdc.edu/honorscollege or contact Takevess Hatcher, Ph.D., Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Suite C201, Office: 305-237-5168.