Del Mar College is intensifying its dual enrollment initiative to transform educational opportunities within the Coastal Bend, aiming to increase student participation significantly. The college has set an ambitious target to enroll 10,000 students, facilitating their early start in earning college credits. This initiative promises to save time and money and create a more equitable educational landscape.
Bridging the Gap in Education
Del Mar College has collaborated with approximately 50 schools across the Coastal Bend, although participation rates vary widely. To address these disparities and boost enrollment across all districts, regardless of size or socioeconomic status, Del Mar has brought on board Mr. Conrado Garcia, the former Superintendent of West Oso. Garcia’s extensive experience in public education makes him a pivotal figure in this strategic expansion. “This has been one of the greatest opportunities in my career,” Garcia shared, emphasizing his seamless transition from public schooling to higher education.
Under Garcia’s leadership, Del Mar College actively supports superintendents and school districts to maximize student enrollment in the program. The aim is not only to attract students while they are in high school but also to encourage them to continue their education with Del Mar post-graduation.
Seamless Educational Journey
Leonard Rivera, Associate Vice President at Del Mar College, likens the program to an elevator—each level builds upon the previous one without any loss of progress. “They earn what they can in high school, graduate, and continue that journey without missing a beat,” Rivera explains. This approach allows students to accumulate valuable college credits during their high school years, which they can then seamlessly transition into further college education.
Del Mar plans to host annual superintendent symposiums and place college advisors in more high schools to further this goal. These advisors will engage not only with students but also directly with their families, emphasizing the inclusivity and benefits of the program. “We’re reaching out to students beyond the top twenty percent,” Rivera adds, underscoring the program’s commitment to inclusivity.
A Personal Touch to Education
Having faced challenging circumstances, Garcia brings a personal understanding to his role. “I grew up poor, in a single-parent home, and had to work part-time to help my family,” he recounts. Consequently, this background uniquely positions him to relate to and advocate for students from similar situations. Furthermore, Del Mar’s dual enrollment initiative aims to fill the gaps that might prevent these students from pursuing higher education.
Looking Toward the Future
To enroll 10,000 students by the next academic year and already more than halfway there, Del Mar College is on a promising path toward educational reform. “The more educated our students become, the more success they can achieve in their lives,” Rivera asserts, emphasizing the transformative power of education. Del Mar is committed to accompanying its students to a brighter future.
As Del Mar College spearheads this initiative, it sends a powerful message: education is a journey best started early, and with the right support, every student can reach their full potential. This program benefits the students and enriches the entire community, heralding a new era of accessible, high-quality education.