A message from Dallas ISD District 4 Trustee, Karla Garcia:
Higher education is a game-changer that many students and their families can pursue to build better lives. Accessible scholarships and government student aid increase access to higher education for all Dallas students, and there are three programs students can take advantage of.
Dallas County Promise
As of Oct. 1, Dallas ISD seniors at participating high schools are eligible to apply for the Dallas County Promise (DCP) Scholarship. Through this program, students can earn a last-dollar tuition to any Dallas County Community College District school and partner universities. I encourage all eligible seniors to take the Promise Pledge on the DCP website. This is the first step to enroll in the DCP scholarship program. The scholarship will cover any cost of tuition that need-based aid and scholarships do not cover.
All seniors from 57 participating campuses located within Dallas County are eligible for this assistance. Students must take the pledge before February 7, and must adhere to all DCP deadlines.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Additionally, all American citizens, permanent residents and other eligible non-US citizens can request federal funds to help with college expenses by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can go online to apply.
Texas Application for State Financial Aid
Also, any student who isn’t eligible to complete the FAFSA can check their eligibility for student aid from the state and complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
January 15th is the priority deadline for both federal and state financial aid. FAFSA applicants may be eligible to receive more funds if they apply before the deadline. Missing the cut-off date on TASFA might result on little to no student aid.
While this process might sound overwhelming, I’d like to remind you that you’re not alone.
College-access advisors are available at most Dallas ISD high schools, including Samuell, Seagoville and Spruce. They assist families with college-readiness tasks, such as submission of college applications, FAFSA / TASFA completion, scheduling college visits and SAT / ACT registration.
DCP College Readiness and Success advisors will also visit schools throughout the year.
Please, plan ahead and don’t leave these tasks for the last minute! The time is now, and a couple hours of work can have an enormous impact on your future!
You can learn more about these three financial aid resources on the following websites:
– 2019 – 2020 Dallas County Promise Scholarship 🡪 https://dallascountypromise.org/
– 2020 – 2021 FAFSA 🡪 https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
– 2020 – 2021 TASFA 🡪 http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objectid=A3119543-CBF8-C202-F1B0EEFD5F4B9805
Teens take a stand
Students from Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Fred F. Florence Middle School joined the Million Fathers March, a nationwide movement encouraging fathers and father figures to get involved in their students’ lives.
The teens were joined by male staff members from the school and across the district, as well as men from the community to fill the sidewalk for a march against violence and carried signs promoting peace last month. The ceremony culminated with an emotional resolution from the school in memory of a Malik Tyler, a student who was shot and killed this summer.
This is just one of the many ways Dallas ISD supports students during challenging times. When students are given the opportunity to unite and let their voices be heard, they are more likely to develop healthy ways to respond to the event and work to be a part of social change. I commend the young men, staff and community for walking, uniting, and taking a stand against violence.
