Making the ‘American Dream’ possible … Del Mar College ranked among nation’s top 10% of all colleges providing access to upward economic mobility and successful outcomes for low-income students
Board of Regents hears correlation between Brown University Economics and International and Public Affairs Professor Dr. John N. Friedman’s presentation “Community Colleges and Upward Mobility” and DMC’s initiatives and outcomes to build prosperity across
Article by Melinda Eddleman
For some parts of the country, chasing the ‘American Dream’ may seem impossible because of consistent economic disadvantages. Here in South Texas’ Coastal Bend region, access to workforce training, higher education and other resources––specifically at Del Mar College (DMC)––is greater than ever and helping the region’s residents move their standard of living upward.
On May 13, the Board of Regents heard a report by DMC administrators that correlated the college’s initiatives and successful outcomes with research data presented by internationally recognized Dr. John N. Friedman, Briger Family Distinguished Professor of Economics and International and Public Affairs at Brown University, that included Del Mar College during his presentation, “Community Colleges and Upward Mobility,” during the Bellwether College Consortium’s Community College Futures Assembly held in San Antonio in February. College presenters covered findings presented by Dr. Friedman related to Americans’ inability to escape poverty and how Del Mar College is addressing that issue successfully here in the Coastal Bend.
Scroll down to the end of this release to watch the full presentation.
The data reflect two decades of student outcomes at Del Mar College and highlights the exceptional work being done to lift students out of poverty and into prosperity.
According to the New York Times’ College Mobility study (2017) used by Dr. Friedman during his February presentation, Del Mar College ranks in the top 10% among all colleges nationwide or 217th out of 2,137 with moving students from lower income levels to a better way of life. Additionally, the college ranks in the top 8% among two-year colleges nationwide and 34th out of 123 Texas colleges ranked in the Mobility Index study with DMC listed third below Laredo College (ranked 6th) and Central Texas College (ranked 23rd) among the nine institutions listed in the “Large College” category for the state.
The Mobility Index measure reflects both access and outcomes representing the likelihood that a student who attended DMC moved up two or more income quintiles [RG1] in comparison to their parents’ income level.
Known for its occupational and technical programs that meet industry partners’ workforce needs, the following table shows key career fields in the Coastal Bend region, the number of graduates completing DMC programs in these areas, median wage for local and peer graduates and the difference between the two median wages for years 2015-2022:
Additionally, passage of House Bill 8 (HB 8) nearly two years ago restructured the state’s community college funding model, allowing DMC to develop and implement multi-faceted strategic initiatives that expand Coastal Bend residents’ access to higher education and workforce training while the college continues to optimize workforce development opportunities through community and industry partnerships.
Among strategic initiatives to further propel students’ upward economic mobility are:
• Dual Credit Financial Aid Swift Transfer (FAST) Program: Expanding Access and Equity
- Expanded eligibility to all Coastal Bend high school students, covering tuition, fees and
associated costs (Books and supplies)
• Workforce-Focused Academic Pathways
- Industrial Technology: (Process Technology/Welders)
- Health Sciences: (Nurses, Dental Technicians, Allied Health Professionals)
- STEM & Emerging Tech: $1.9 million City of Corpus Christi grant (AI, Robotics, Industrial
Instrumentation)
• Economic Impact and Community Partnerships
- Del Mar College has a total annual impact of $716.7 million (EMSI Economic Study)
- Valdar’s Market: Food Pantry – Support & Academic persistence
- Health Services: Free dental hygiene clinics, free mobile medical services through
the South Texas Family Planning & Health Corporation
• Affordability and Accessibility Initiatives
- Free Tuition Pilots: Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program
- Low-Cost Credentials: Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and
Leadership degree
• Corporate Partnerships and Workforce Training
- DMC’s Corporate Services training in safety, leadership, and technical skills
- APEX Accelerator initiative assists local businesses get federal contracts
• Guided Pathways to Success (GPS)
- Advising Checkpoints: At 15, 30 and 45 credit hours completed
- Transfer Pathways: Partnerships with universities
Del Mar College is committed to fostering economic mobility while directly addressing the Coastal Bend’s workforce and economic challenges. These efforts position the college as a critical driver of regional prosperity.
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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