Areas of Support
Delaware Technical & Community College plays a vital role in the state of Delaware. Being the only community college in the state, we single-handedly influence the daily operation of the state. Our students come from all walks of life to enroll in our programs and the majority stay right here in Delaware to improve the cities and communities that they live and work in.
Since approximately 45% of our budget is supplied by the state primarily for personnel costs and state financial aid, the College gains the rest of its revenue from student tuition and fees, grants and contracts as well as private gifts. The Delaware Tech Educational Foundation was established to help encourage private support for our students and their financial and educational needs.
Over the past few years, we've implemented incremental tuition increases to supplement the budget. Simply relying upon increased tuition costs will minimize our impact on assisting students with achieving their educational needs. For the past two years, Delaware Tech has seen record enrollments as students are turning to education to improve their skill-set for the workforce. In Fiscal Year 2010, there are nearly 16,000 students enrolled in Delaware Tech's campuses across the state. This represents a 4.7% increase from the previous year. In addition to having more students enrolled, we have a greater number of those student taking classes full-time compared to the past.
The booming enrollment has made us realize our growing needs and a greater need for support. There are many ways for you to support the students of Delaware Tech:
Scholarships
In Fiscal Year 2009, approximately 8,760 students received financial assistance through Federal grants, loans, Delaware scholarships and miscellaneous scholarship awards. The average award for students receiving financial assistance was $2,527.61. Many businesses, community and civic organizations, families, individuals, alumni, parents and friends have demonstrated their interest in supporting student scholarships.
Capital Projects and Equipment
Being a technical school, most of the training and education that students receive is completed with equipment. Delaware Tech has ongoing needs for equipment (both new and used) so that students can be adequately trained. Additionally, each Delaware Tech campus has building and expansion projects that they'd like to see come to fruition to better meet the needs of the communities that it serves.
Academic Programs
Delaware Tech's academic programs are a reflection of the current job market within the State of Delaware. Delaware Tech actively seeks input from local businesses and communities to find out what jobs are in demand or what companies will need 2-5 years down the line. There are over 100 different programs for students to choose at Delaware Tech. The major areas of study at Delaware Tech are Business, Education, Engineering Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Health & Science and Industrial & Public Service.
Corporate & Community Programs
Delaware Tech successfully provides continuing education courses, job skills training certificate programs, classes, workshops, seminars and various conferences through its CCP division. Courses are taught under the realm of Personal Development as well as Business and Professional Development. Currently, students are faced with privately financing these courses to advance their careers or not take them all because of the Federal Government's limitation on these students applying financial aid toward CCP courses. Delaware Tech is able to assist some students with support, but not as much as we'd like to.
Athletics
Delaware Tech students have the opportunity to participate in athletic programs at the various campuses to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Students at the Owens campus compete in Baseball, Softball and Golf. Students at the Terry campus compete in Men's Lacrosse, Soccer, Women's Soccer and Volleyball. Students at the Stanton/Wilmington campus compete in Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer and Women's Softball. Many of the students receive athletic scholarships from Delaware Tech and teams are in need of support for facility improvements, equipment and uniforms, travel costs and other miscellaneous expenses.
International Education
In 2005 Delaware Tech had its first study abroad program, sending 19 students to Turkey for 17 days. Students visited Istanbul, Cappadocia, Cankiri and Ankara, and observed the traditions and customs of the Turkish people. Students had opportunities to meet and socialize with Turkish families and to visit historical sites. Istanbul University and Ankara University professors lectured to the group on Turkish society, politics and cultural traditions. Today, students have the opportunity to take trips to Ecuador (service learning), England, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, Scotland and Turkey. Unfortunately, some of our students are unable to take advantage of this wonderful experience because of the cost. Financial aid cannot be used to cover this expense.
Additionally, Delaware Tech has a long history of conducting international development assistance, foreign faculty training, international student cultural exchanges, and human capacity building programs with Bulgaria, Croatia, Jordan and Romania.
Youth Camp Scholarships
At Delaware Tech, we recognize that the seeds for a successful college experience are planted well before high school. Our summer camps, which serve children from age five to 17, provide safe, challenging, enriching and fun experiences at each of our four campus locations. Even at the reasonable cost of $160 per week, youth from low- income families find it difficult to attend. Many disadvantaged youth could benefit from our camps if scholarship money was available. Currently, we receive little government and private support to run these programs.
Library Support
Delaware Tech libraries are an integral part of the College's instructional programs. Our librarians emphasize investigative and information management skills which support students' ongoing needs for life-long learning in their professional and personal lives. The libraries require a collection of traditional and electronic resources to support the ever-changing curriculum and to respond to the educational needs, abilities and interests of a diverse student body. The expense of online data bases and other technologically advanced resources continues to grow; however, they are vital to support our students' need for access to learning materials when and where it fits their busy schedules.
Other Areas
The College has established specific fund lines for support that were either set-up by administrators or established by alumni, faculty and staff or friends of the college. Scroll through the Educational Foundation Funds list to look for other funding areas that may interest you.
Science Lab Challenge
We need your help to raise the $400,000 in private donations needed to earn challenge grants. Our deadline is May 31, 2011. Support our goal by making an online donation today.