Each year, the Rising Star Program makes a promise to graduating seniors in Dallas County high schools: If you graduate from high school, demonstrate a modest level of academic potential, and have specific financial need, the DCCCD Foundation, Inc. guarantees you the opportunity to earn an associate's degree or job certification from any of the seven DCCCD colleges. The message that college is possible through the Rising Star program is an important one to send to students in Dallas County. The DCCCD Foundation is building a special endowment to make this a permanent opportunity for elementary and junior high school students who get the message early. Rising Star scholarships cover all direct costs, up to $2,200, for tuition, books and other charges associated with enrollment at a DCCCD college. For more information, visit www.dcccd.edu/fdn.

Academic eligibility requirements for Rising Star scholarships are 1) graduation from a Dallas County public high school or Dallas CAN! Academy, and 2) ranking in the top 40% of the graduating class OR having at least a "B" average in a standard high school curriculum OR passing the TASP test (or DCCCD alternative test) before enrolling in college classes. Financial eligibility is based on number of people in household and the annual family income.