How do I apply for the Rising Star Program?
- Complete an admission application for a Dallas County Community College on campus or online. Call ahead for instructions on what to bring with you to complete the admission process
- Request a current official high school transcript from your high school registrar or counselor to attach to your Rising Star application. Your final official graduation transcript will be required as evidence that you have completed requirements for high school graduation
- Answer each question completely on the Rising Star Program Application and the Rising Star Student Supplemental Information Profile. Incomplete documents will substantially delay the processing of your application. Submit all off the following at the same time:
- Rising Star Program Application
- Rising Star Student Supplemental Information Profile, and
- One current official high school transcript to:
Rising Star Program R. L. Thornton, Jr. Building 701 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75202-3299 | You may also apply for The Rising Star Program by completing and returning the PDF application |
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete an application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or mail the application to:
Federal Student Aid Programs P. O. Box 4691 Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0059
If you are an Undocumented student, ONLY submit the Dallas County Community College District Financial Aid Application for Individuals Ineligible to use the FAFSA to the campus Financial Aid Office of your choice.
- If you plan to enroll for Summer I 2008, you need to complete the 2007 – 2008 FAFSA.
- If you plan to enroll for Summer II 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009 or Summer I 2009, you need to complete the 2008 – 2009 FAFSA.
| You have until April 15, 2009 after the date of your graduation to complete The Rising Star Program application process (steps 1 – 4 above). You must be enrolled within 12 months of your high school graduation date. |
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Who is eligible for the Rising Star Program?
You qualify if you…
- Graduate from an eligible Dallas County public high school or Dallas Can! Academy.
- Meet guidelines for financial need as established by Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and verified using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) guidelines from the Department of Education.
- Meet one of the following:
- Graduate in the top 40% of your class;
- Graduate with a “B” average (80 or better on 100 point scale);
- Pass the required DCCCD assessment test to enter any of the seven colleges
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When should I apply?
Pick any semester within the academic year to enroll in a Dallas County Community College but be aware of the following deadlines to meet for Rising Star:
Summer I 2008/Summer II – Complete application process (steps 1-4 as stated above) including the Financial Aid Verification process before April 1, 2008. Complete both 2007 – 2008 FAFSA and 2008 – 2009 FAFSA.
Fall 2008 – Complete application process (steps 1-4 as stated above) including the Financial Aid Verification process before July 1, 2008. Complete both 2008 – 2009 FAFSA.
Spring 2009 – Complete application process (steps 1-4 as stated above) including the Financial Aid Verification process before November 1, 2008. Complete the 2008 – 2009 FAFSA.
Summer 1 2009 – Complete application process (steps 1-4 as stated above) including the Financial Aid Verification process before July 1, 2008. Complete the 2008 – 2009 FAFSA.
Summer I 2009 is the last semester of eligibility for 2008 graduates. If you are selected, the Financial Aid Verification Process can take up to several weeks.
Assure your spot - Apply Today!
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What does the Rising Star Program cover?
Rising Star provides qualified high school graduates with academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books over a period of up to 3 years, if you have established a financial need. You have the will, we’ll find a way.
You have 12 months after the date of your graduation from high school to enter the Rising Star Program. So don’t wait, don’t procrastinate, activate your plan for success now.
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Can I transfer the scholarship to another school?
No, the Rising Star Program scholarship is only available for use within the seven campuses of the Dallas County Community College District. The program was established to provide students a means to achieve their associate’s degree, core curriculum, and or a certificate of their choice. After completion, Rising Star Program students may look forward to our transfer scholarships!
What are transfer scholarships?
Transfer scholarships are provided by select universities that are partnered with the Rising Star Program. What this means to our students is an additional means of financial support upon transferring to a four-year college or university. Rising Star students must apply for the transfer scholarships and meet the qualifications prior to enrolling in the college or university.
Is this scholarship the same as Pell?
Rising Star is referred to as the “funding of last resort.” Any other various scholarships and grants would be utilized first, then Rising Star would kick in as secondary funding.
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