Investment Boosts Dallas County's Higher Education Landscape

A second transformative investment of $50 million from the O’Donnell Foundation aims to enhance opportunities and improve degree completion for students in Dallas County. This follows a $60 million contribution last year to the Dallas County Promise, marking one of the largest philanthropic commitments to postsecondary success in the region's history. The grant announcement occurred at an event on October 6 at the Dallas Museum of Art. Funding will be distributed among four institutions: $20 million to Dallas College Foundation, $17 million to the University of North Texas at Dallas, $8 million to the University of Texas at Dallas, and $5 million to Southern Methodist University. As Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon stated, the initiative is committed to dismantling barriers for students. The funds will establish Student Success Coaches at UNT Dallas to guide students through their academic journey, and a new Transfer Success Fund will alleviate financial burdens for transferring students, further paving their path to success.