Today’s college attendees are more mobile than any time in history. They have many choices to complete a credential of value, and college hopping is commonplace. Unfortunately, this results in situations where students have completed almost all their requirements but left without a credential. The population of “almost grads” is growing, creating a dearth of qualified employees in the workforce. Through ODC, three North Texas higher education institutions actively engaged with “almost grads” to provide them the assistance they needed to complete a credential of value. ODC began by extracting students within 15 credit hours of credential completion. Accelerating Student Success funds encouraged students to enroll when they faced barriers such as not enough time to complete a FAFSA, having excessive hour fees, or a small financial incentive to re-enroll. ODC helped cover the remaining credits to graduation without any further roadblocks…just a carrot to convince students to complete their graduation goals.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: 331 students have been awarded scholarships to complete their degree. We are still finalizing numbers and some are enrolled in fall 2023, but we anticipate a very high percentage will graduate specifically due to this program.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success - Collin College; Financial Aid - UNT and NCTC

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Jay Corwin at jcorwin@collin.edu or 972-549-6320

FLEXTech is an innovative program that supports mobility into cybersecurity and information technology by connecting students and employers through networking events, career fairs, mentorship opportunities, and use of career platforms, the program provides career readiness to students through online and in-person learning and assistance with job search strategy, resume assistance, LinkedIn, cover letters, employer research, networking, and developing an understanding of IT and Cybersecurity job fields.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: 126 program participants have self-reported an IT/Cybersecurity-related job or internship. Preliminary research indicates 85% of Bachelor of Applied Technology-Information Systems Cybersecurity graduates enrolled in the program have attained employment in their field of study versus 63% of students not enrolled in the program. Additional student labor market outcomes continue to be collected.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Emerging Technical Grants Department

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Tara N. Lewis at tnlewis@collin.edu or 469-365-1809

The cost of college should never discourage anyone from going after a valuable degree. –Arne Duncan, former United States Secretary of EducationLEARNING OBJECTIVESBy the end of this section, you will be able to:Establish financial goalsIdentify strategies for creating and maintaining a budgetDescribe available options for paying for collegeDescribe the benefits and risks of creditDevelop financial literacy skills to prepare for your financial future

LEARNING OBJECTIVESBy the end of this chapter, you will be able to:Describe the importance of good writing skills.Define “academic writing.”Identify key differences between writing in college and writing in high school or on the job.Identify common types of writing tasks in a college class.Define what instructors expect of a college student’s writing.Understand and utilize writing-process steps in the development of academic writing.Differentiate between revision and proofreading, and explain the value of each.Know where to get help with your writing.Identify strategies for ethical use of sources in writing.Understand the special demands of specific writing situations, including in-class essays, group writing, and online.