The Research Institute at Dallas College has increased the reach of its work with the launch of a new website that shares research findings with the public, as well as with peers in higher education, through evidence-based studies that will measure the socio-economic impact of Dallas College’s educational model on the region.
With goals similar to the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, the new Research Institute at Dallas College was founded in 2021 to engage in projects aimed at creating a more equitable education system that promotes access and success for all North Texans.
By examining long-term trends from K-12 schools, college and beyond into the workforce, the Research Institute helps Dallas College provide the greatest return possible to its students and, in turn, the community. In addition to return on investment, the institute is currently pursuing a variety of research topics including educational attainment, the college-going rate, student debt and support of English language learners.
With the institute’s launching of a new website today, the institute has opened up its work, including research briefs, infographics and interactive dashboards, to the public, allowing other researchers in higher education to choose the ways in which they would like to study the data, which could ultimately help redefine traditional higher education practices.
“Much of our current agenda focuses on leading Dallas College to positively impact the metroplex and to help North Texas reach the goals of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Building a Talent Strong Texas plan,” says Founding Executive Director David Mahan. “Through an innovative and robust research agenda, our team is exploring ways to strategically support student success and to drive further innovation in education. In doing so, we can increase employment opportunities and income for individuals, create a deeper talent pool for employers and align students’ skills with workforce demands.”
Some of the initial research the institute is exploring centers around such questions as:
- What have been the effects of education level on household economic outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, both locally and nationally?
- What are the returns on investment in a community college education versus just having a high school diploma?
- What are the existing equity gaps across different fields of study and at different institutions?
“Community colleges like Dallas College are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in our region,” Dr. Lonon said. “Having actionable information that helps improve and guide where Dallas College invests its educational resources in the future starts with data. The research being done by the dedicated group of individuals at our Research Institute will help Dallas College and policymakers throughout the state strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for greater and greater numbers of students, particularly those from underserved populations.”
To learn more about the Research Institute at Dallas College and explore current projects, including interactive dashboards, visit the new website or please contact the Research Institute’s Dr. Emily Sharma at emily.sharma@dcccd.edu.
Original source can be found here
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