Since opening in 1965, Dallas College has worked to ensure the surrounding community is vibrant, growing and economically viable for future generations. Students benefit from partnerships with local business leaders, school districts and four-year universities. The community benefits from an educated and well-earning workforce.
Despite its best efforts, there is still a mismatch between workforce demand and employment readiness. While Dallas College provides critical training programs in select health, information technology, business and finance areas, students still need help to gain entry into these careers, including mentoring and other critical support needed to navigate school-to-career opportunities.
To close the gap, Dallas College is investing in a four-year program with help from Bank of America and key local industry partners. The focus of the initiative is to develop new or enhance existing programs to meet specific skills gaps in order to attain higher-paying, family-sustaining, in-demand local jobs. Programming will include financial coaching, enhanced career guidance and course selection counseling to help students complete their degrees.
The program expands on existing internship and training pipelines to create career opportunities in health care, finance and information technology. The funds from the grant—which are part of a broader jobs initiative with key industry partners and the school — also help provide social, mental and physical support services for students to give them every chance to succeed.
“We are preparing our students with relevant skills as well as degrees,” says Dr. Pyeper Wilkins, vice chancellor for workforce and advancement at Dallas College. “Our partners—private companies of all sizes and across many industries in and around Dallas—are in need of such graduates.” Supporting job creation and employment is a key part of Bank of America’s commitment to help advance equality and economic opportunity.
