 The Rising Star Program offers Dallas County youth the promise of hope for a better future after graduation from high school. For many students in the Dallas area, attending college seems to be out of reach because of their circumstances. The Rising Star Program was created to support dreamers and achievers.
In 1999, the Dallas County Community College District set out to inspire Dallas County youth to not only complete high school, but continue their education on the college level. The Rising Star Program aims to make achieving an education accessible to students demonstrating financial need and academic promise. What the program provides to students, is academic support services as well as up to $4,000 for tuition and books to be distributed over the span of three years during the recipient’s academic career in DCCCD.
Through the Rising Star Program, students are able to earn their choice of an associate’s degree, certification or complete their core curriculum. Each of the seven campuses within the Dallas County Community College District has a Rising Star office ready and willing to assist students. 
Our Story
In 1999, the Dallas County Community College District Foundation saw a distinct need within the community. Dallas area employers were facing a workforce that was unable to meet the demands of the changing times. As a result of a 40 – 60% drop out rate in the high schools, students in the community were not properly prepared to obtain entry level positions. Believed to be one source for the alarming drop out rate, is students leaving their education behind to enter the workforce prematurely.
In an effort to combat economical barriers to higher education, the Rising Star Program was born. The Foundation and Dallas County Community College District as a whole believed that with proper support and encouragement, students would thrive. The Rising Star Program sought to target students that otherwise may not have had an opportunity to obtain an education beyond high school. This same population segment also was believed to be eligible to receive federal and state level funds as a primary financial resource with Rising Star Program funding and support serving as secondary resources. |
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