College Assistance Program (CAP, Inc.)

This year, we proudly honor the memory of G. Holmes Braddock—a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to education, civil rights, and public service transformed the lives of countless students across Miami-Dade County. His legacy is one of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to equity. As we come together for Give Miami Day, may our efforts reflect the values that defined Holmes' remarkable journey.

A tireless advocate for students, Holmes served on the Miami-Dade County School Board for an unprecedented 38 years—from 1962 to 2000—providing steady leadership through times of significant social and educational change. As Board Chair during the pivotal desegregation efforts of 1969–70, he demonstrated both moral clarity and bold action. Throughout his tenure, he championed bilingual education, collective bargaining rights for teachers, increased civic engagement, and the enduring inclusion of student voices in district decision-making.

Among his many lasting contributions, Holmes was the driving force behind the creation of the College Assistance Program (CAP). In 1977, Miami-Dade County Public Schools launched a pilot initiative with a small team of part-time college advisors tasked with helping students navigate financial aid opportunities. Seeing its promise, Holmes helped establish CAP, Inc. the following year to provide long-term financial support for the program and to award scholarships to students in need. As the founder of CAP and a founding board member of CAP, Inc., Holmes laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to thrive—awarding more than $15 million in scholarships to over 16,000 students and opening pathways to higher education for generations.