Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold its regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples St. (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting will also be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link: 
delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-packet-10-6-26.pdf.  

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The college will also livestream audio and video during the workshop and regular meeting. Community members may access both by going to www.delmar.edu/webcast/index.html by 9:55 a.m. for the workshop and 12:55 p.m. for the regular meeting.

Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows:

• 10 a.m. Workshop: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet_9-8-26.pdf
• 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-packet_9-8-26.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by DMC College Relations Office

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold two called meetings for public hearings on the adoption of the budget and tax rate beginning at 11:30 a.m. and noon, respectively, along with a third called meeting at 12:30 p.m. Both public hearings and the called meeting will be held in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). (Get online directions and map.)

The two public hearings and the called meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the hearings and meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 11:25 a.m. and 11:55 a.m., respectively, for the public hearings and 12:25 p.m. for the called meeting.

Access to the Aug. 25 Agenda Notices is provided online using the following links:

• Budget Adoption Hearing (11:30 a.m.): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-budget_8-25-26.pdf
  
• Tax Rate Adoption Hearing (Noon): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-tax-rate_8-25-26.pdf
  
• Called Meeting (12:30 p.m.): www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/called-meeting-packet-8-25-26.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Article by DMC College Relations

Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link:
www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-8-11-26.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Tuesday, June 9, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10:30 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The college will also livestream the regular meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows:

• 10:30 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-6-9-26.pdf

• 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-6-9-26.pdf

 
Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

Tuesday, May 12, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in the Tres Grace Community Room (second floor) in the Culinary Arts Building on the Oso Creek Campus. The street address is 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414). Get online directions and campus map. 

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online using the following link:
www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-5-12-26.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Tuesday, April 7, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in The Tres Grace Community Room (second floor) in the Culinary Arts Building on the Oso Creek Campus at 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414).  Get online directions and facility map. 

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/supplemental-notice-of-meeting-ua-4-7-2026.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Tuesday, March 3, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and facility map. 

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/agenda-packet-3-3-26.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and facility map. 

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: 
delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/regular-agenda-packet-2-3-2026.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a called meeting beginning at 5 p.m. in Room 106 of the Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 4:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice is available online as follows: 
www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/called-meeting-1-15-2026.pdf .

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

They served our country, and now Del Mar College (DMC) is honored to serve them. Acknowledgement of DMC and its Veterans Services staff’s commitment to veteran students and family members who attend the college came as a 2025 “Gold” Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) in early September and announced by Gov. Greg Abbott (online release).

The college is one of 33 two- and four-year public higher education institutions to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award based on criteria set forth by the TVC and outlined in the Governor’s release. This year’s award is the second for DMC, receiving a Bronze Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award in 2022.

During the DMC Board of Regents regular meeting held on Oct. 14, the college recognized Veterans Services staff and the award they earned. Additionally, District Director Scott Bauer and Field Representative Carrie Moore from U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud’s district office presented a Congressional Recognition acknowledging the dedication and assistance the college’s veteran students receive from Veterans Services.

The Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award was established by the Texas Legislature and is given after thorough review of college and university applicants that demonstrate educational excellence and support services that “significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.”

The deadline for nomination applications was April 1, 2025, and the TVC requested data from the 2023-2024 academic year for its 2025 award. For Del Mar College, a total of 683 veteran students were enrolled during the end of that academic year. Additionally, 381 received Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits while 302 received Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions.

Financial support also comes from the American G.I. Forum of South Texas and the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation in the form of scholarships.

Currently, 812 total  veteran students and family members are enrolled in fall 2025 courses with 510  receiving Veterans Affairs benefits and 302 Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions.

DMC Veterans Services offers assistance and resources, including offices and lounges (Veterans Resource Centers), on all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek––to exclusively serve veteran students and their families. Reserved for these students, the lounges offer places to use upgraded computers and printers, grab quick snacks or use kitchenette appliances, relax in a family room-type setting and collaborate academically or socially with other student veterans.    

Office staff include veterans and veteran dependents who maintain certification through the Veterans Administration Education Department to assist with navigating through the benefits due to anyone who has served as well as their beneficiaries. Veterans Services also employs veteran students through the Veterans Administration (VA) Work Study Program, and they assist staff in campus offices and Veterans Resource Centers.

“Our VA Work Study students are our greatest asset because they vocalize across campuses and in classrooms the support offered to this segment of the college’s student population,” noted Dr. Armentrout, adding: “They not only help our staff but also assist other student veterans using our facilities, and they contribute during recruitment activities and special events calling for support and participation, including Paws and Relax during finals, the Toys for Tots toy drive during the holidays and the annual Fall Festival.

Outside the college, Veterans Services staff interact with the Nueces and San Patricio Veterans Services Offices and other local veterans’ organizations, even holding memberships, along with attending the weekly Nueces County Veterans Roundtable, to promote higher education after separation from the military. Additionally, DMC Veterans Services partners with the region’s Military Entrance Processing Station in San Antonio for weekly administering of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a free test for military enlistment that assesses candidates’ strengths.

Additionally, DMC Veterans Services offers to faculty and staff unaffiliated with military service orientations and workshops that familiarize them with the challenges and adjustment veteran students and dependents experience after re-entering the civilian world. Employees learn to identify characteristics among the veteran student population to best serve them in and outside the classroom when on campus.

View the recognition presentation below. A PDF file of the Congressional Recognition is available in the upper righ- hand corner.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and facility map. 

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/final-board-packet-10-14-25.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-packet-september-9-2025.pdf or download the PDF file from the upper right-hand column.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold public hearings on the adoption of the budget and tax rate beginning at 11:30 a.m. and noon, respectively. A called meeting is also scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and an audit committee meeting at 1:15 p.m. Both public hearings, the called meeting and the audit committee meeting will be held in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). (Get online directions and map.)

The two public hearings, called meeting and audit committee meeting will be livestreamed. Community members may access the hearings and meetings by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 11:25 a.m. and 11:55 a.m., respectively, for the public hearings, 12:25 p.m. for the called meeting and 1:10 p.m. for the audit committee meeting. 

Access to the Aug. 26 Agenda Notices is provided online using the following links:

• Budget Adoption Hearing (11:30 a.m.): https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-budget-8-26-25.pdf 

• Tax Rate Adoption Hearing (Noon): https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/public-hearing-packet-tax-rate-8-26-25.pdf 

• Called Meeting (12:30 p.m.): https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/called-meeting-packet-8-26-25.pdf

• Audit Committee Meeting (1:15 p.m.): https://www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/audit-committee-meeting-packet-8-26-25.pdf

 Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s current guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-8-12-25.pdf. 

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

Tuesday, June 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows:

• 10 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-6-10-25.pdf

• 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regularboard-meeting-packet-6-10-25.pdf

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

Del Mar College’s (DMC) new Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is a “game changer” for in-district residents who qualify and are accepted to begin courses this fall. And much like athletes who sign contracts to play at the collegiate or professional level, applicants selected for the program don’t have to worry about paying for their courses, but they do have to “sign on the dotted line” and commit to completing their associate’s degrees within three years as full-time students.

Today, May 21, nine new Vikings participated during a “signing ceremony” symbolizing their new journey in higher education this fall semester and a path to completing their associate’s degrees over the next three years as part of the first cohort to participate in the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program.

The pilot program is a first for Del Mar College, and Dr. Escamilla noted, “For the first time in our 90-year history, we are waiving the cost of tuition and most fees for incoming freshmen who qualify for the program like these students.”

He added, “We want our students to have the freedom to fully focus on what’s most important – completing their education and owning their dreams.”

Roy Miller High School senior Jonathan Anguiano couldn’t agree more. The 18-year-old dual enrollment student who has focused on occupational courses to improve his welding skills said, “Even as a student coming straight out of high school into college, I work and have bills, so this program is a relief that my education is covered. It’s truly a blessing and a once-in-a-lifetime chance that Del Mar College is giving me this opportunity to not worry about tuition.”

He plans to complete his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Applied Technology and was among the nine individuals signing the Freedom to Dream contract during the ceremony.

In early March, the DMC Board of Regents approved the pilot program. Aas of May 16, current count shows that 2,138 individuals have requested information about the program or applied. Approximately 1,145 individuals have met eligibility requirements and have been selected, and 532 individuals have signed their agreements.

In-district residents can learn more and apply for the program through Aug. 1 at www.delmar.edu/freedom/.

Durin the May 21 event, Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott said, “I want to add an adjective to this ceremony and call it ‘groundbreaking.’”

She added, “The program truly increases access to higher education for more Coastal Bend residents – like these students. By removing financial barriers, the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver creates a more level playing field for higher education.”

The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program covers tuition and some fees using “first-in funding,” which comes from two sources: 1) DMC Foundation funds previously donated for the Viking Promise Program and approved for use to support the pilot program by its Board of Trustees and 2) the revenue generated from the state’s outcomes-based funding model for community colleges established by House Bill 8 in 2023.

The first-in funding model allows students to draw from their financial aid or scholarships as resources to pay for living expenses and other collegiate-related costs––such as books, gear or program-specific uniforms––so they can attend DMC full-time.

“The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is making my dreams possible now that I don’t have to worry about paying for classes,” says Marysabel Lopez, who will graduate from high school among West Oso ISD’s Class of 2025 on May 30. “Instead, I can perform my heart out as a Music Education major because my dream is to teach the experience of being a part of music to younger generations.”

 Lopez signed her contract May 21, too.

Qualifications for the first cohort include:

All Qualifying Applicants:
• Live in the Del Mar College District (taxing district), which includes the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Indepe3ndent School Districts.
• Enroll full-time (12 Semester Credit Hours or more).
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
• Enroll in a for-credit program or certificate.
• Commit to a formal agreement or “contract” to complete their studies withing a three-year period.

High School Students:
• Graduating among the Class of 2025 or equivalent.
• Dual Credit students are eligible regardless of the number of Semester Credit Hours they have earned.

Adult Learner:
• First-time-in-college student with12 Semester Credit Hours or lLess. 

As an adult learner, 39-year-old Joseph Collin, who previously completed his high school equivalency or General Educational Development (GED) certificate at Del Mar College and earned three Semester Credit Hours toward Liberal Arts studies, plans to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree.

Currently a reception group leader and phlebotomist at CSI Plasma, Collin says, “My dream is to become a Surgical First Assistant with specialties in Neurology, but more specifically, I want to focus on the brain and what causes Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program can propel Collin and others to do just that…“own their dreams.”

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.

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

Tuesday, May 13, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map.

The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m.

A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-meeting-packet-5-13-25.pdf.

Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html.

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html. 

During their regular meeting on April 8, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents unanimously approved general contractor SpawGlass to renovate the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County after reviewing Competitive Sealed Proposals. The college owns half of the former Little Bay Primary School located on Highway 35 North in Rockport, which will become centric to training and other educational opportunities for Aransas County and surrounding communities’ residents to meet workforce needs in the area once renovation is completed.

While addressing the Board, John Jackson, Past President and current Board Secretary of the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation, added, “This has been a long five-year journey to get to this point, and it’s a very significant threshold that we’re crossing today. I want to thank you and the Del Mar College Foundation on behalf of everyone in Aransas County.”

Completion of the $2.5 million-plus project is anticipated by Spring 2026. The project initially began as a collaboration among DMC, Aransas County, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2021. Additionally, local private fundraising by Aransas County business leaders has also served a critical role to support project funding that will move the area’s economy forward with a well-trained workforce.

The center will include classrooms, labs and additional space to house high-demand marketable skills training that builds a sustainable workforce in the Aransas County area. Training strategically targets occupations identified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend that meet Aransas County’s local and regional needs, including:

• Health Sciences
• Public Safety/Fire/EMS
• Building/Construction Trades
• Light Industrial/Manufacturing
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship
• Computer-Aided Design/Drafting
• Communications & Broadcasting
• General Education, Continuing Education and certification programs

DMC will offer courses not only through its academic programs but also by Continuing Education and Corporate Services, providing residents the opportunity to earn Marketable Skills Awards that can articulate into academic credits leading to Level I and II Certificates, Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees and even toward the pursuit of DMC bachelor’s degrees–––the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Once operational, the center will provide ongoing training and college-level courses for approximately 400 to 800 students per year. Classes and training will be available to everyone – young adults seeking a career, adults who want to up-skill and re-skill for essential jobs and those who simply want to re-enter the workforce. 

Keas added, “The Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County is an example of what can be achieved when partners work together for the benefit of the community.”

-DMC-
 

Architectural renderings by Turner | Ramirez Architects, along with the floor plan, for the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County are provided below. Click on each image to enlarge and download. A downloadable PDF file of the news release is available in the upper left-hand corner above Contacts.

During their workshop today, March 4, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents unanimously approved a new initiative designed to assist qualifying students with completing their associate degrees during a shorter timeframe while increasing successful student outcomes. The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver, a contract commitment between participants and the College requiring full-time attendance, will launch as a pilot program in fall 2025.  

Interested individuals can find out more about the pilot program at www.delmar.edu/freedom.

The pilot program will cover tuition and fees for up to three years and use “first-in funding” from the College for those expenses before students draw from their financial aid or scholarships. The funding model will allow those in the first cohort to use those resources for living expenses and other collegiate-related costs––such as books, gear or program-specific uniforms––so they can attend DMC full-time.

First-in funding comes from two sources, including 1) DMC Foundation funds previously donated for the Viking Promise program and approved for use to support the pilot program by its Board of Trustees and 2) the revenue generated from the state’s outcomes-based funding model for community colleges established by House Bill 8 in 2023.

Matthew Busby, Vice President of Development and Donor Advising, said, “The Del Mar College Foundation is committed to helping students earn their education via the generous support o of people and companies in our community. Our efforts provide students the means to attain their goals, and in turn, improve their quality of life and that of their families.”

“And, for those students who do not meet the pilot program’s qualifications, the Foundation is currently taking online scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year through April 30,” he added. To apply, go to www.delmar.edu/scholarships.

The DMC Foundation’s support for the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program includes $500,000 each year for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.

Qualifications for the first cohort include:

All Qualifying Applicants:
•  Live in the Del Mar College District (taxing district), which includes the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts.
•  Enroll full-time (12 Semester Credit Hours or more).
•  Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
•  Enroll in a for-credit program or certificate.
•  Commit to a formal agreement or “contract” to complete their studies within a three-year period.

High School Students:
•  Graduating among the Class of 2025 or equivalent.
•  Dual Credit students are eligible regardless of the number of Semester Credit Hours they have earned.

Adult Learner:
•  First-time-in-college student with12 Semester Credit Hours or Less.

The College has already developed advising and support services to assist students with keeping on track through DMC Student Retention Services’ enhanced advising, Viking Care Connect and degree planning, along with career development assistance, early alerts and intervention and analytic software to ensure students succeed. The student support plan also encompasses four academic divisions that offer eight program pathways among their combined 16 departments. Among them, approximately 280 full-time faculty provide student advising, along with 11 embedded advisors and five enrollment specialists.

To inform students, their parents and adult learners, Del Mar College will hold three information events covering the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver pilot program, including:

• Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Building on the Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414),

• Wednesday, April 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), and

• Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404).

To learn more about applying for the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver, complete the Request for Information at www.delmar.edu/freedom. For directions and campus maps to the information events, visit our website at www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html.