22 Oct 2002
Higher Education Will Share Programs and Resources with District Students
DALLAS—A unique commitment between eight area colleges and universities and the Dallas Independent School District was announced Tuesday when presidents from the schools offered time and resources to help combat the dropout rate by eliminating many of the barriers that may prevent students from getting a college education.
"Our goal as an educational institution is to instill in our students a passion for learning so that their graduation from high school becomes the beginning of their search for knowledge and not the end of it," said Superintendent Mike Moses. "Our partners in education learned of our request and have been extremely generous with their response. When you have 164,000 students to educate and have high hopes for each and every one of them, we are not shy about making good use of the wonderful opportunities and resources these institutions provide."
Dallas County Community College District , Paul Quinn College, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas Woman's University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas each identified resources they could share with the district.Among the services and resources to be contributed by the participants are summer math and science camps, expanded field trip opportunities for college preparation, PSAT workshops, intensified tutoring opportunities with college students, academic demonstrations, increased scholarship opportunities and access to mentors from college faculty and staff.
These services are currently being offered throughout the district, although not at all campuses. However, until now there has not been a central clearinghouse where counselors and other staff could determine the availability of programs and services offered to district schools. As a result of Tuesday's initiative, the clearinghouse concept is being put in place to facilitate the coordination of these services.
An important component of this initiative is the increased participation of school counselors in helping students overcome obstacles that may impede graduation.
"We know that the reasons why students leave school before graduation include the lack of success academically, language barriers and lack of parental involvement," said Hector Montenegro, deputy superintendent—instructional services. "The district is reviewing the services offered by the counseling staff and making sure they have the resources to properly address the needs of our diverse student population."
Research has shown that students who do not receive proper information and support regarding college admission and financial aid find themselves excluded from to attending college even if they are qualified.
"Our main priority is to increase the graduation rate by reducing the dropout rate and to tackle the problems that cause students to leave school," said René Martinez, special assistant to the superintendent —office of dropout prevention and community outreach. "We can make great progress by identifying the needs of our student population and finding the resources to assist them, be it from within the district or from outside."
Statements from Participating Colleges and Universities
Regarding the Higher Education/DISD Partnership
"Students and parents being able to see the future is what we are all about in this partnership with DISD. Hands-on initiatives that very early on bring students onto our campuses; that teach them how to pay for college; that show available, promising careers; and most importantly that allow students and parents to make personal contacts at our colleges are great ways to show that the door truly is open to everyone at our community colleges."
Dr. Robert Aguero, Vice Chancellor of Educational Affairs
Dallas County Community College District
"Paul Quinn College looks forward to working with the DISD in this initiative to prepare a more well-rounded student by introducing them to the various qualities of receiving an education. Our commitment to this initiative will extend to include tutorial support, mentor support, scholarships where they may exist and experiential learning opportunities. We believe that collaboration in this effort will lead not only to preparing a better student but also a better citizen.
Dr. Dwight J. Fennell, President<</strong>/p>