Community College To Career | Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO CAREER

Equipping Texas Students to Earn Industry-aligned Credentials

More than 40% of Texas students are pursuing higher education at a community college. These institutions can provide a pathway to prosperity for hundreds of thousands of young adults and their families across the state. At the same time, employers are looking to community colleges to address local workforce needs – to transform today’s student into tomorrow’s new hire.

Grant funding is available from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for organizations and community colleges that are focused on helping students achieve an industry-aligned credential within three years of enrollment.

Aligning student pathways with in-demand professions begins with collaboration. We are interested in funding partnerships (between community college, community-based organizations, and/or industry) which are creating opportunities for students while solving for local workforce needs.

Additionally, we know it takes training and a robust support system to help students persist through graduation. Our funding can be used to pilot new programming, bring proven approaches to scale, or develop the partnerships that make this work possible.

Colleges, nonprofits, intermediaries, and cross-organizational networks and partnerships working to support Texas community college students are encouraged to apply.

Partnering for Student Success

Qualification Criteria

Serve Texas students ages 18-24

Prioritize reaching Black and Latino students and those from traditionally underserved backgrounds (e.g., low-income, first-generation)

Focus on attainment of a credential or associate degree within three years of enrollment

Grant activities should not start before September 2023

Apply Today

The deadline to apply for grant funds is June 7, 2023.