Dallas College Foundation is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a string of events and exciting announcements. Today, it unveiled a groundbreaking $1 million donation from the Chesmar Foundation aimed at bolstering students at the Dallas College School of Education.
The announcement took place at the kickoff session of Social Venture Partners Dallas’ 2024 Social Innovation Luncheon Series, where Dallas philanthropic leaders gathered. Chesmar Foundation’s contribution will fund a scholarship initiative tailored for aspiring teachers and students involved in paid work-based experiences at Texas public schools. This innovative program aims to forge partnerships with local school districts to facilitate employment for graduates.
Josh Skolnick, executive director of Dallas College Foundation, expressed gratitude, stating, “Through community partners like Chesmar Foundation, Dallas College Foundation can change the equation when it comes to preparing the teacher workforce that our growing community needs. This partnership will help solve workforce shortages while opening opportunities for hundreds of individuals to earn credentials to launch rewarding careers in education.”
Don Klein, Chesmar Homes CEO and Chesmar Foundation chair, highlighted the foundation's mission to improve lives. He said, “Funding teacher education allows aspiring teachers to achieve college degrees debt-free and become employed as teachers right in the neighborhoods where they grew up. This scholarship improves the lives of new teachers and all the students that the Chesmar Scholarship recipients will teach, benefiting many future generations.”
The School of Education has been a significant beneficiary of philanthropic support, amassing over $4 million towards its mission. Dallas College holds the distinction of being the first community college in Texas to offer a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching, significantly expanding pathways to careers in education for numerous students.
The announcement from Chesmar Foundation was the highlight of the luncheon's speaker panel, which included key figures from Dallas College discussing the institution's mission and future plans. Dr. Carlos Cruz, Dr. Robert DeHaas, and Dr. Karen Stills detailed how philanthropic partnerships have propelled the college's transformative mission.
Dallas College Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebrations commenced on Oct. 19, 2023, precisely 50 years after its establishment, with the Shine On: 50 Years of Dallas College Foundation Legacy Celebration. The festivities will continue with the Shine Together: Dallas College Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Eclipse Party on April 8 and the annual Bits & Bites fundraiser on April 21.
“As proud as we are of what we’ve accomplished over these last 50 years, we know that the next 50 years will be even more impactful. This generous gift from the Chesmar Foundation is evidence that the philanthropic community is ready to support the kind of innovative and transformative programming that Dallas College is uniquely suited to offer its community,” said Skolnick.
Dallas College Foundation has already distributed more than $65 million in scholarships and grants to support thousands of Dallas College students, embodying its commitment to providing pathways of opportunity.
About Dallas College Foundation
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023-2024, Dallas College Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 whose mission is to advance economic mobility for students in our community 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 $103 million in private donations and distributed more than $65 million in scholarships and grants to support thousands of students at Dallas College.
