Seniors who attend nearly all of Dallas ISD’s comprehensive high schools may apply to receive free tuition at any Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) college through the recently announced Dallas County Promise program.
With Dallas County Promise, students will receive free tuition at a DCCCD college and the opportunity to receive transfer scholarships to UNT Dallas and SMU. The first year begins with 31 area high schools and is planned to expand to other schools with the help of additional partnerships.
Graduating seniors at nearly every comprehensive high school in Dallas ISD, as well as those attending Kathlyn Gilliam and Trinidad “Trini” Garza early college high schools, are eligible to apply for Dallas County Promise. The scholarships are offered by the DCCCD Foundation and pay the full cost of tuition for up to three years or degree completion at any DCCCD college.
“The Dallas County Promise program is a great opportunity that will provide college access to more students,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. “The cost of college can be a deciding factor in whether or not students attend college. This program helps to remove that barrier and ensures that our students are even more prepared to join the ranks of an educated, well-trained workforce.”
To participate and receive tuition benefits each year, graduating seniors at the participating schools must:
- Sign a “Promise Pledge” no later than Jan. 31, 2018
- Apply for admission to a DCCCD college of their choice by March 15, 2018
- Enroll and register at a DCCCD college by July 31, 2018
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and complete 18 credit hours each acadmic year
“We know that the greatest barrier to college completion is cost,” said Dr. Joe May, DCCCD chancellor. “With the support of our partners, we will create more affordable pathways to college completion, which also will align with the needs of the North Texas workforce. It’s a game-changer for students, businesses and the communities we serve that will transform lives.”
Current partners for the program include Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey and Company and the Commit! Partnership.
