Signing on the dotted line … nine individuals participate today during signing ceremony for DMC’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program
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May
2025
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21:54 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Nearly 2,140 residents have applied and 1,145 currently accepted since program’s March announcement with application deadline still ahead (Aug. 1); new three-year contract commitment to expedite qualifying students’ associate degree completion
Article by Melinda Eddleman
DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla and Valdar the Viking_Addressing Ceremony Participants_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Signing Ceremony_052125
Del Mar College’s (DMC) new Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is a “game changer” for in-district residents who qualify and are accepted to begin courses this fall. And much like athletes who sign contracts to play at the collegiate or professional level, applicants selected for the program don’t have to worry about paying for their courses, but they do have to “sign on the dotted line” and commit to completing their associate’s degrees within three years as full-time students.
Today, May 21, nine new Vikings participated during a “signing ceremony” symbolizing their new journey in higher education this fall semester and a path to completing their associate’s degrees over the next three years as part of the first cohort to participate in the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program.
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These students are pioneers. They saw the value of the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver and chose to take that first step toward their goals. It’s a great opportunity that will change their lives.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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Valdar the Viking_Juliana Henson_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Tuition Wiaver Signing Ceremony_052125
Juliana Henson (center), a Del Mar College Dual Enrollment student attending the School of Science & technology, signs her three-year contract for the college’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver as mascot Valdar the Viking (left) and DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla look on during a May 21 ceremony held on the Heritage Campus in the William F. White, Jr. Library. Henson was one of nine new Vikings who signed contracts during the ceremony. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Valdar the Viking_Juliana Henson with Viking Pennant_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Contract Signing Ceremony_052125
After signing her three-year contract as part of Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program during a May 21 ceremony, Juliana Henson, a DMC Dual Enrollment student who attends the School of Science & Technology, poses with her DMC Vikings pennant with Valdar the Viking (left) and Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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When the Board of Regents approved the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver pilot program in March, our hope was that it would open doors for new populations of students. Our hope was well-placed because the response to the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver has been enormous.
Carol A. Scott, Del Mar College Board of Regents Chair
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Board of Regents Chair Carol Scott and Valdar the Viking_Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Signing Ceremony_052125
She added, “The program truly increases access to higher education for more Coastal Bend residents – like these students. By removing financial barriers, the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver creates a more level playing field for higher education.”
The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program covers tuition and some fees using “first-in funding,” which comes from two sources: 1) DMC Foundation funds previously donated for the Viking Promise Program and approved for use to support the pilot program by its Board of Trustees and 2) the revenue generated from the state’s outcomes-based funding model for community colleges established by House Bill 8 in 2023.
The first-in funding model allows students to draw from their financial aid or scholarships as resources to pay for living expenses and other collegiate-related costs––such as books, gear or program-specific uniforms––so they can attend DMC full-time.
“The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program is making my dreams possible now that I don’t have to worry about paying for classes,” says Marysabel Lopez, who will graduate from high school among West Oso ISD’s Class of 2025 on May 30. “Instead, I can perform my heart out as a Music Education major because my dream is to teach the experience of being a part of music to younger generations.”
Lopez signed her contract May 21, too.
Qualifications for the first cohort include:
All Qualifying Applicants:
• Live in the Del Mar College District (taxing district), which includes the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Indepe3ndent School Districts.
• Enroll full-time (12 Semester Credit Hours or more).
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
• Enroll in a for-credit program or certificate.
• Commit to a formal agreement or “contract” to complete their studies withing a three-year period.
High School Students:
• Graduating among the Class of 2025 or equivalent.
• Dual Credit students are eligible regardless of the number of Semester Credit Hours they have earned.
Adult Learner:
• First-time-in-college student with12 Semester Credit Hours or lLess.
Valdar the Viking_Joseph Collin_President and CEO Mark Escamilla_Freedom to Dream Contract Signing Ceremony_052125
As an adult learner, 39-year-old Joseph Collin, who previously completed his high school equivalency or General Educational Development (GED) certificate at Del Mar College and earned three Semester Credit Hours toward Liberal Arts studies, plans to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree.
Currently a reception group leader and phlebotomist at CSI Plasma, Collin says, “My dream is to become a Surgical First Assistant with specialties in Neurology, but more specifically, I want to focus on the brain and what causes Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.”
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I also want to show my son that it’s never too late to start over and become what you dream.
Joseph Collin, Freedom to Dream Participant and New DMC Viking
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Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program can propel Collin and others to do just that…“own their dreams.”
Valdar_Nine Freedom to Dream Ceremony Participants_Regents Chair Carol Scott_DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla
After Del Mar College Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver contracts were signed by the nine May 21 ceremony participants, the honorees posed for a group picture to celebrate their new journey as DMC Vikings. Pictured from left are DMC mascot Valdar the Viking, Marysabel Lopez, Corazon Alvarez, Alexus Magallan, Sabrina Murillo, Juliana Henson, Vincent Treviño, Levi Garibay, Jonathan Anguiano, Joseph Collin, DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott and Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
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- Del Mar College held inaugural “back to school bash” for Vikings – Back to the Helm – on Heritage Campus on Sept. 4Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. The start of the Fall semester at Del Mar College can only mean one thing – it’s time to go back to the helm! For the benefit of land lovers and those who become seasick on the bumper boats at In the Game Funtrackers, some context may help: The helm is essentially the steering station of a ship. And for DMC Vikings, the end of summer means the long stretch of rudderless days is over – it’s time to get back aboard the sailing craft and prepare to navigate the challenging seas of the academic journey ahead. The college held its inaugural Back to the Helm Parking Lot Party — a celebration of making it through the first week of the fall 2025 semester – on Sept. 4. The event was sponsored by the DMC Office of Student Leadership and Campus Life and College Relations. The event was also a celebration of the success of the Freedom to Dream waiver program, which enrolled more than 1,770 students who are in class this fall. Students enjoyed the opportunity to patronize food trucks such as Kona Ice, Wednesday’s Coffee Bar and Micro Bakery and Jefe’s Tacos. Event organizers also arranged various activities, free giveaways and music from DJIT. Beverly Cage, Director of the Office of Student Leadership and Campus Life, said visitors spent time in the inflatable Toxic obstacle course as well as the four-seat Euro Bungy trampoline attraction. The Euro Bungy trampoline ride allows up to 4 riders to bounce higher and higher utilizing the inflated trampoline pad beneath each harness seat. The parking lot party also included several yard games. Whether students are new to Del Mar or returning for another year, the event served as an ideal opportunity to relax, meet fellow Vikings and celebrate the start of the semester. And family members were invited to participate in the fun as well. “It’s a great chance for students to meet new classmates, reconnect with familiar faces and build their social support networks in a fun and relaxed setting,” adds Rita Hernandez, the college’s Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. “Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty and staff as they are welcomed to the Viking Campus Community and know they are right where they belong.”
