The purpose of the District is to prepare students for successful living and responsible citizenship in a rapidly changing local, national, and world community. The District does this by providing accessible, accredited, affordable, cost-effective, quality learning opportunities for development of intellectual skills, job skills, personal growth and/or transfer to a baccalaureate program. In fulfilling the purpose, the District furthers cultural, economic, and workforce development in the communities served. In all its efforts, the District strives to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of those the District serves.

More specifically, the District's purpose is to provide:

• technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or certificates;
• vocational programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations;
• freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences;
• continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading;
• compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students;
• a continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals;
• workforce development programs to meet local and statewide needs;
• adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults; and
• other purposes as may be prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or the District's Board in the best interest of post-secondary education in Texas.