Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has awarded Dallas College Foundation a $500,000 grant—the largest education and workforce development grant the Texas Women’s Foundation has ever made to a single organization. Texas Women’s Foundation leaders presented a check on November 19 at Dallas College’s Brookhaven Campus to support programs helping thousands of students enroll in Dallas College and access wraparound services that help them complete their education. These programs are part of Dallas College Foundation’s work to drive innovation and student success at Dallas College through strategic philanthropic investments.
Josh Skolnick, Executive Director of Dallas College Foundation said, “We thank Texas Women’s Foundation for its commitment to making a significant impact in education. This grant will help thousands of students achieve a life-changing credential, leading them to a rewarding career in Dallas’ top industries. The supported programs, including the Dallas College Promise Scholarship, have already helped over 26,000 students pursue their dreams.” Dallas College is one of the largest colleges in the nation, serving more than 130,000 students.
Texas Women’s Foundation Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong shared the findings from TXWF’s 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report. “Women play a critical role in the Texas economy, representing 46% of the workforce. And according to the Commit Partnership, 63% of all jobs in Texas will require some post-secondary education by 2031. This grant is designed to help women pursue and complete their education and to advance opportunities for economic security, stability, and success for themselves, their families and their futures.”
Dr. Carlos Cruz, Associate Vice Chancellor of Well Being & Social Support at Dallas College, discussed the grant’s impact. “A substantial portion of this grant will support the Dallas College Promise Scholarship, offering a tuition-free associate or bachelor’s degree to qualifying seniors at Promise High Schools. Scholarships are also available to eligible students’ parents or guardians to pursue a scholarship or to fund a certificate or associate’s degree at no cost, thus making this a true two-generation approach.”
He added, “The grant also supports the Finish & Fly Fund, helping students complete the final credit hours and certification exams needed for their credential, and the Family Care Program that supports student parents and expectant parents by addressing family care needs and providing critical wraparound services. Family support includes classes on parenting, nutrition and wellness, while also receiving guidance from a dedicated team that includes a student care coordinator, success coach, licensed counselor and academic tutor.”
Ann Margolin, Dallas College Foundation Board Vice Chair, former Texas Women’s Foundation board member and longtime supporter, added, “Thank you, Texas Women’s Foundation, for your leadership in research, advocacy and grantmaking. By making sure that education and workforce development are at the forefront of advancing women and girls, you are ensuring that the 14.7 million of us who call Texas home will play on a level playing field.”
Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, concluded, “Thank you, Dallas College, for the work you do to advance economic mobility for students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. We are grateful to play a part in increasing opportunities for them.”
About Dallas College Foundation:
Dallas College Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 that advances economic mobility for students by channeling the power of philanthropy to lift Dallas College to new heights of innovation, equity and excellence. Since its creation in 1973, the Foundation has raised more than $153 million in private donations and distributed more than $79 million in scholarships and grants to support thousands of students in Dallas College.
About Texas Women’s Foundation:
Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women and girls and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million. As the organization prepares for its next 40 years of impact, the need to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld has never been more critical.
The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and evidence-based programs support solutions that help remove the barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.