Seniors Benefit from Dallas County Promise

Students with college aspirations may finally see those dreams become a reality with The Dallas County Promise. By pledging to complete your studies, stay focused and be a role model, the Dallas County Community College District Foundation has made a commitment to provide free tuition and a Success Coach that will stay with students through transfer/completion, regardless of high school GPA or family finances to all 2018 seniors in 31 Dallas County high schools, including Grand Prairie High School.

The Dallas County Promise covers the cost of classes up to 60 credit hours at any of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges. All students regardless of family income or GPA can receive the Dallas County Promise by meeting three key deadlines:

1. January 31: Dallas County Promise Pledge (opens Oct. 2) 2. March 15: Submit FAFSA/TAFSA and complete DCCCD admissions application 3. July 31: Complete DCCCD registration

Students that also meet GPA/income requirements for Rising Star will also receive the Rising Star scholarship and gain access to an in-person Rising Star advisor.

“As time progresses and more opportunities arise for future generations, I hope that I have the opportunity and am able to take advantage of it to its fullest extent,” junior Jose Gonzalez Garcia said.

With this program, students will have a shot at success and brighter future whether they struggle in school, are overachievers or cannot afford the high cost.

“I want to go to college, but it’s too expensive and seeing that my parents both have dead-end jobs, I don’t really think I have many opportunities for college” junior Jesus Esquivel said.

Many senior students feel pressure to have an idea of what they want to be and the plan they need to take to get there. With the Dallas County Promise, students are set up for success with the help up a coach who is there as support beginning at the end of their senior year and continuing through college completion. Daniel Rodriguez, a senior currently enrolled in the Dallas County Promise, is grateful and taking full advantage of this opportunity.

“I want to work as an ARN with coma patients. I never really knew what I wanted to do, but seeing my uncle hospitalized before he passed away made me realize what I wanted to become,” Rodriguez said. “A teacher that really pushes me to do better and follow what I want to do influenced me to sign up.”

Once schools and careers paths are chosen, expenses begin to add up. However, students with help from the Dallas County Promise students will have 60 credit hours paid for, and Rising Stars will have textbooks covered as well. By having a large amount of expenses covered, students are assured they can focus on school and their path to success.

“I tell people to enroll mainly for the purpose of getting free college and being able to save money for future expenses in life, I plan on taking complete advantage of the program and saving my cash,” Rodriguez said.

For more information or to sign up, go to the College Center in room 111 or visit this link.

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