(UPDATED) Dual Enrollment Program Sees All-time High with Over 7 Percent Enrollment Growth Among Participating Regional ISDs
Combined academic and Continuing Education enrollment increases more than 6 percent from fall 2023 semester; today marks 12th Class Day and required reporting of preliminary enrollment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Article by Melinda Eddleman
(This article has been updated as of Sept. 12, 2024)
Together, we are expanding horizons, enhancing educational outcomes and empowering the next generation of rural learners to reach their fullest potential.
That sentiment was shared by Gonzalez about how Del Mar College (DMC) provides “opportunity” to high school students with the five rural independent school districts he represents.
Preparing Coastal Bend residents to support local economies or that of the whole region is the College’s key focus not only among traditional college-age and adult students but also among area high school students whether rural or metropolitan. Workforce training and college preparation has become an important part of many area high school students’ daily curriculum as they earn both high school and college credits or credentials of value at the same time.
That training or college prep is offered through the College’s Dual Enrollment Program. And this fall semester, the program has reached an all-time record enrollment with 2,959 regional high school students taking DMC courses, a 7.2 percent increase from last fall’s program enrollment of 2,761.
UPDATE: The Dual Enrollment Program’s increased participation rate will be included in the College’s 12th Class Day preliminary fall enrollment report due to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board today, Sept. 11. Preliminary figures show that Del Mar College’s overall fall 2024 enrollment, which includes both academic and Continuing Education programs, increased over 12 percent from 10,772 in fall 2023 to this semester’s preliminary enrollment figure of 12,098.
Other contributors to increased fall enrollment incudes the launch of the new online Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program. More than 212 students enrolled in the new program, which targets individuals who have already earned an associate’s degree or current students who plan to complete their associate’s degree and then continue to move forward with earning the College’s second bachelor’s degree offering. Additionally, enrollment is 35 students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or RN to BSN, which the College launched in fall 2021.
The Coordinating Board will certify figures in November for final fall 2024 enrollment figure, which is subject to change from today’s reporting.
Currently, 43 independent school districts (ISDs), parochial schools and charter schools combined participate with the Dual Enrollment Program, which works with nearly 50 high schools overall among these partners.
Del Mar College is about community, and our faculty and staff work together with our partners to develop strong relationships, along with academic and workforce development pathways, to enrich Coastal Bend students’ lives for a successful future.
He noted that the program offers all students in the ninth through twelfth grades attending high schools among participating partners the opportunity to take DMC courses whether they’re through Continuing Education programs to earn industry credentials or Marketable Skills Awards in healthcare, construction, welding or process technology or through the College’s academic programs for workforce preparation with Level I and II Certificates or associate’s degrees or for core course completion for university transfer.
“Overall, the College offers 175 programs of study that provide students choices to earn the credentials of value they need for successful academic and career pursuits,” Dr. Rivera added.
Some partners have seen significant growth among students participating in the College’s Dual Enrollment Program, including the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD).
In the last two years, CCISD has seen a 27 percent growth in the number of students taking a dual credit course from Del Mar College and a 28 percent growth in the number of dual credit courses our students take. Our partnership with the College has always been a strong one, and we are experiencing a surge in the number of students taking a dual credit course. We believe it is due to the strategic collaboration between Del Mar staff and our district dual credit leaders.
She noted that enrollment among CCISD’s students is typically highest among English, college algebra, economics, welding, and United States history and government courses.
“Whether a student seeks an academic, Career and Technical Education or Continuing Education course, Del Mar is always ready to support our students, campus counselors and parents with the most streamlined transition possible,”
Gonzalez, added, “Del Mar College’s commitment to supporting rural learners aligns perfectly with our mission to break down barriers and create pathways for all students, regardless of their location. Our partnership provides invaluable access and opportunities for RSIZ students to pursue higher education and career readiness. Because of this collaboration, we are able to offer our students a wide range of academic programs, dual credit courses and hands-on training experiences that prepare them for future success.”
The RSIZ includes five ISDs––Agua Dulce, Benavides, Brooks County, Freer and Premont––all of which participate with the College’s Dual Enrollment Program.
Last fall, the College rolled out the Dual Credit Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program with funding administered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A part of House Bill 8 (HB 8), the Dual Credit FAST program provides greater accessibility to higher education at no cost for students defined as educationally disadvantaged, specifically those who qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch during any of the four school years prior to enrolling in an eligible dual credit course.
Del Mar College chose to expand “no cost” tuition and fees to all high school students, including those considered non-qualifying FAST dual credit students who are taking eligible credit and Continuing Education courses and attending one of the partnering ISDs, parochial schools or charter schools in the region.
Flour Bluff ISD’s dual enrollment partnership with Del Mar College is a game-changer for our Hornets. This collaboration not only provides significant financial savings for our families, but it also ensures that our students graduate with the skills, confidence and experience they need to thrive in college, their careers and beyond. We’re committed to creating pathways to success, and our partnership with Del Mar College is a key part of that mission.
Aransas Pass ISD Superintendent Dr. Glenn Barnes, added, “It has been an excellent experience for Aransas Pass High School to partner with the College, and Dr. Rivera and his staff have been very dedicated to our students and staff with all aspects of registering, obtaining books, training and other factors being a positive experience."
I’ve even had Aransas Pass High School Principal Josh Rombs tell me, ‘It feels like you’re working with family with the amount of support provided to ensure our students have successful outcomes.'
No matter if a student is a Buckaroo, Hornet, Longhorn, Panther, Tiger or any other identifiable high school icon, all students taking courses through the DMC Dual Enrollment Program are Vikings and now on their journey to success supported by their high schools and Del Mar College. Vikings … own your dreams!
For school or parent inquiries about the DMC Dual Enrollment Program, contact the Early College Programs Office at 361-698-2351 or dualcredit@delmar.edu.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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