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