The Mission of the
DCCCD Foundation

The Dallas County Community College District Foundation, Inc. is a vital resource for Dallas County, helping to foster ongoing partnerships between the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and virtually all sectors of community life.

Our mission is to enhance the level of achievement and excellence of the DCCCD by providing scholarships, supporting the professional development of faculty and staff, and fostering innovation in the educational programs of the DCCCD.

Providing Scholarships...

Every year, the Foundation makes more than 1,500 scholarship awards totaling several hundred thousand dollars. More than a third of the Foundation's 200-plus scholarship opportunities are funded by permanent endowments. Established through the generosity of caring individuals, corporations, foundations, professional associations and community groups, all Foundation scholarships provide access to a quality college education - whether a student wants to build toward a baccalaureate degree or learn new job skills.

Supporting Professional Development...

The Foundation is also committed to encouraging DCCCD faculty and staff to remain creative in their approach, inspired in their philosophy, and competitive in their skills. The Foundation distributes grants to support projects, such as Dr. Parker Palmer's "Courage to Teach" program, a ground-breaking series that provides support and renewal for those in the teaching profession. The Employee Development Fund is a matching gift program of the Foundation for DCCCD faculty and staff to contribute to the on-going development of their peers.

Fostering Innovations...

The Foundation also encourages creative thinking, innovative approaches, and experimentation in the educational programs of the DCCCD through its "Innovation Award" competition. Seed money for project development and/or implementation is awarded to innovative proposals that explore new educational techniques, experiment with traditional patterns or boundaries of academic life, and/or create unique systems to promote collaboration throughout the college district. Winning projects have included a Senegal West Africa summer study program for French language students, the "American English and Culture Institute" for international students, and a peer mentorship/advocacy program for individuals pursuing skills training at the Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development.

October 2003