Dallas College Foundation Secured $13.4M to Support the Promise Scholarship — Here's Why It Matters

DALLAS, August 11, 2026 – Dallas College Foundation raised $13.4 million in donations over the last year that will expand opportunities for Dallas College Promise Scholarship recipients for years to come. Promise donations came from organizations across the region, including $3 million from the Mike A. Myers Foundation and $1 million from the Hamon Charitable Foundation. Alongside numerous other donations, these gifts secured a $6.25 million matching challenge from the O’Donnell Foundation. 

In 2017, Dallas College became the pioneer of the national Promise movement in Dallas - an effort to dramatically expand and coordinate the tuition support available to students who want to get a college education. Dallas College Foundation has helped fulfill that promise, providing funding for Promise scholarships to address the workforce talent gap and helping students complete college with the skills necessary to succeed in the North Texas job market in high-demand industries such as construction, nursing and teaching.  

"I've been proud to support Dallas College since its earliest days not only through financial contributions, but also by investing time as a mentor. I've seen firsthand how an education can transform lives and create opportunities,” said Mike Myers, founder and chairman of the Mike A. Myers Foundation. “The impact of Dallas College extends beyond the classroom, and I'm grateful to play a role in helping ensure education remains accessible for generations to come.” 

Dallas College employees also contributed over $175,000 through Dallas College Foundation’s annual Employee Giving Campaign, joining the Hamon, Myers, and O’Donnell Foundations in their dedication to helping students succeed, regardless of their circumstances. This year alone, more than $1.7 million has been paid out through Promise scholarships. Combined with federal and state aid, these scholarships help nearly 7,000 students from Promise high schools attend Dallas College. 

“Supporting the Dallas College Promise Scholarship will fortify the promise of college access and economic mobility for generations to come. With $13.4 million in new funding, we are again reminded of the wealth of opportunity that is created when the philanthropic, business, and education communities work together to build a brighter future,” said Josh Skolnick, executive director of Dallas College Foundation.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Texas added more than 30,000 jobs in key industry sectors over the past year, yet employers continue to struggle to find qualified talent, reporting difficulty filling positions due to workforce skill gaps. At the same time, 59% of young adults in Dallas County don’t have a postsecondary credential, even though 85% of good-paying jobs are expected to require one by 2031. Promise scholarships are meeting this need, expanding access where opportunity gaps have long existed. 

“Finding out that I don’t have to worry about paying for college was a huge relief. It took a burden off my parents and off me,” said Aranza Ortega, Dallas College Promise Scholarship recipient. “It allowed me to focus on academics solely." 

The Dallas College Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that covers the cost of tuition at Dallas College for eligible students for up to three years or the completion of an associate degree or up to five years or the completion of a bachelor’s degree in education, nursing, applied technology, or management. Scholarship funding also supports those on a path to transfer to top universities. Most seniors in Dallas-area schools are eligible to apply for Promise along with their parents or guardians through the Parent Promise program, giving parents the same life-changing opportunity. 

"Education has the power to change lives, and success requires more than what happens in the classroom. We're proud to support initiatives that help students focus on their goals, overcome obstacles, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Kelly Roach, president of the Hamon Charitable Foundation. “Every student's journey is different, but access to support, guidance, and opportunity can make all the difference." 

Since it began, Promise has helped more than 31,000 students attend Dallas College and distributed more than $17 million in scholarships. Promise includes tuition funding and wrap-around resources such as academic supports, intensive success coaching, and transfer pathway preparation. To learn more about the Dallas College Promise Scholarship, visit www.dallascollege.edu/paying-for-college/dallas-promise or to donate, visit foundation.dallascollege.edu/give. 

About Dallas College Foundation:    

Dallas College Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 that advances economic mobility for students 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 $153 million in private donations and distributed more than $79 million in scholarships and grants to support thousands of students in Dallas College.