Dr. Joe May, Chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, spoke to our Club at our meeting on January 16th, DCCCD currently serves 140,000 students at its 7 campuses, 80,000 of whom are pursuing traditional academic programs.
Dr. Joe May, Chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, spoke to our Club at our meeting on January 16th, DCCCD currently serves 140,000 students at its 7 campuses, 80,000 of whom are pursuing traditional academic programs. However, the main focus of Dr. May's remarks was how the district is promoting post high school educational opportunities for Dallas County students, pointing out that 65% of current jobs require some further education after high school.
 
Despite the fact that DCCCD only charges $59 per semester hour, the overwhelming majority of students cannot afford college. In an effort to overcome this barrier the district networks with private and public organizations in "Dallas County Promise." The strategy requires a student to commit to complete college, submit a FASFA application as a step toward financial aid and enroll in college. Promise also provides access to scholarship opportunities. Last year 9600 students from 31 county high schools enrolled in Promise. this year the number has climbed to 16,000. 
 
Increasing higher education possibilities creates a "win-win" providing better qualified applicants for the job market and higher wages for those completing education beyond a high school diploma.
 
Watch the FULL meeting on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/vMxoczCDHUo