The Dallas County Community College District Foundation, Inc has provided funds for thousands of young people to attend college since 1999. Also since then, the Rising Star Program has provided eligible high school graduates with an opportunity to earn an associate's degree or job certification in over 100 major areas. The $4,000 award for books and tuition must be used within a three year period. Approved students have 12 months after the date of their graduation to enter the Rising Star Program. In addition, the program provides a host of support services at each of the seven DCCCD colleges and the Bill J. Priest Campus of El Centro College.

Academically eligible candidates must graduate from a Dallas County public high school or the Dallas CAN! Academy with a "B" average; or graduate in the top 40% of their graduation class; or take and pass all sections of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI); and meet course prerequisites before enrolling in college classes. In addition, applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines which are based on the number of people in the household and the total annual family income. For more information, contact the high school counselor at 972-860-7473, or visit the DCCCD Foundation Web site at http://www.foundation.dcccd.edu/.