CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — More than 100 superintendents and staff from across 26 area school districts gathered at Del Mar College's Oso Creek campus Thursday morning for the Coastal Bend ISD Superintendents Symposium. During the event, there was a special focus on DMC's dual credit program.
For over 30 years, Del Mar College has worked with local high schools to prepare students for their career goals through its dual credit program. The classes allow high school students to earn college credits as they complete their high school credit requirements.
DMC President Mark Escamilla said the program reached a new record this fall semester with nearly 3,100 high school students participating in the classes. These students make up 30 percent of the college's enrollment.
After House Bill 8 was passed last year, Escamilla said community colleges like DMC received funding that helped grow their dual credit program.
"There's no longer a charge for any students taking Del Mar College dual enrollment classes," he said.
The no-cost program is something that Flour Bluff ISD student Kaelin Lott is taking advantage of as she's taking health science courses.
"It's also been really helpful that the Del Mar program is paid for," she said. "So, I'm saving money while I'm earning some of my college credit."
The program offers over 100 certifications and eight different career paths.
West Oso ISD student Benjamin Molina is pursuing a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry and said the dual credit program can be challenging, but it will prepare you for the future.
"I say it's always worth it at the end," he said. "You can go through the hardest class you've ever taken in your life and even though it was hard in the process, you get to the end and see your grade and it's always worth it to see you passed."
Escamilla said there are several Del Mar College initiatives that are encouraging middle school students to enroll in dual credit courses once they're in high school.
There are also plans to expand the dual credit to more districts in the future.