Deep East Texas College & Career Alliance
DETCCA is a collaboration of public-school districts and institutions of higher education in the deep East Texas region, including Burkeville, Jasper, Kirbyville, Newton, Spurger, Woodville School Districts & Lamar Institute of Technology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Kilgore College, and Lamar State College Port Arthur. The Leaders of the Alliance have created this collaboration to serve over 7,000 students in deep East Texas to meaningfully increase college and career educational opportunities. The high school students can earn college credits and stackable certifications that provide college-level career and technical education and general education college courses.
The Higher DETCCA began in 2019-2020 with the mission that within four years, students will complete an individual learning path demonstrating commitment to self, peers, and community and to graduate college and career ready. Through the dual credit opportunities, students may graduate with core 42 hours toward a bachelor’s degree, an Institutional Award or Level I certificate.
Opportunities for Economic Improvement in the Jasper County Area
Challenges
- 82% living below the poverty level; median income of less than $27,000 a year.
- 31% (ages 25-34 years old) with certificate or higher education degree.
- Unemployment rate is 4.8%; but more than 50% of the employed population working non-livable wages (part-time, minimum wages).
Opportunities
DETCCA supports the belief that workers with more education earn higher wages than employees with no post-secondary education.
- College-educated workers earn 84% more
- Workers with some college education (no degree) earn 16% more
Project, Borgen. “The Economic Benefits of Education.” https: borgenproject.org/economic-benefits-of-education/. pg, 2 July 2018
