The Commit Partnership has awarded Dallas ISD the inaugural Dallas County Economic Mobility Award in recognition of outstanding efforts in preparing students for college and career success.
The award underscores Dallas ISD’s commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in post-secondary education and secure well-paying jobs upon high school graduation.
“For Dallas ISD, we are about meeting the individual needs of our students to guide them on a path to fulfill their goals and dreams. Ultimately, through these individualized experiences, we want them to be employable in very meaningful, living wage jobs.”
The selection process for the award considers various criteria, including performance and growth amongst students in low socioeconomic areas in areas like college- and career-readiness, completion of significant college credit during high school, enrollment in post-secondary institutions, and attainment of industry certifications.
Through the success of Dallas ISD’s Early College High Schools and P-Tech programs, 11% of last year’s graduating class earned associate degrees from Dallas College along with their high school diplomas. Approximately 14,000 students receive innovative educational opportunities through state-of-the-art Career Institutes designed to provide students with high quality career and technical education training aligned with jobs that pay living wages.
Todd Williams, Chairman and CEO of Commit, emphasized the critical role of public institutions in addressing economic disparities, stating, “Dallas County ranks sixth in the nation in the number of children living in poverty and seventh in the number of young adults ages 25 to 34 living in poverty. It’s absolutely imperative that we recognize those public institutions that are clearly embracing their role as the chief economic engine for their communities.”
As part of the Dallas County Economic Mobility Award, the district will receive a $25,000 prize, which can be allocated to support initiatives that further enhance student success and economic mobility efforts.
