On Saturday, May 15, Dallas County citizens will go to the polls to vote on a $450-million bond package for the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). The funds will be used to expand DCCCD's seven existing campuses, create five new educational centers and enhance the Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development. This funding also focuses on expanded programs in areas such as science, nursing, allied health, social services, technical training and the arts.
Mark your calendars now to support this vital bond package, the first in DCCCD's history in 32 years. Here are 10 reasons to support the DCCCD bond package:
1) OUTREACH AND DIVERSITY. Over the past 38 years, more than 1.5 million students have taken advantage of DCCCD numerous offerings.
2) GROWTH. Since the original seven campuses were built in the 60s and 70s to accommodate about 25,000 students, the enrollment has grown to 62,000 credit students and 28,000 non-credit students. The campuses are overcrowded and in need of expansion and renovation.
3) FIRST RESPONDERS. The DCCCD trains more "first responders" - paramedics, police officers, firefighters, nurses and medical technicians - than any institution in the region.
4) STRONG WORKFORCE. The business community relies heavily on the DCCCD to train a skilled workforce. The District offers 68 career and technical programs ... and more than 30,000 students enroll in technical and occupational courses each year.
5) PREP FOR 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES. More than 8,400 Dallas Community College students transfer every year to four-year universities. The top three schools they go to are the University of Texas, Texas A&M and the University of North Texas ... and the majority of DCCCD students perform at the same level as the four-year students.
6) ECONOMIC IMPACT. In the year 2000, current and former students increased wages and salaries in Dallas County by $620.6 million directly and by another $629.3 million indirectly.
7) VALUE. DCCCD has the lowest tuition and fees of all community colleges in Texas.
8) FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. The DCCCD's tax rate is the 5th lowest of all community college districts in Texas ... and their one-and-only bond campaign was 32 years ago! . Also, the DCCCD enjoys a AAA bond rating, reflecting its responsible fiscal policies and management.
9) RISING STAR. The Rising Star program provides for any Dallas County high school graduating senior - with a B average and financial need - an opportunity to earn a two-year education FOR FREE at any Dallas County Community College. Launched in 1999 with private funding, more than 3,700 students take advantage of this innovative program, which is unique in the nation.
10) RESPECT. Dallas County citizens may not realize that the DCCCD is considered one of the top two or three community college systems in America!
Early voting lasts April 28 - May 12, 2004.
Call 214-637-7937 or visit www.dalcoelections.org for voting locations and times
Visit www.voteyesdcccd.com for additional information
