Dallas College Expands El Centro Campus to Boost Education Access
Dallas College is set to enhance its El Centro Campus in downtown Dallas as part of a significant expansion initiative. The project, backed by a $1.1 billion bond approved by voters in 2019, aims to create more educational opportunities for local residents. According to Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon, the community college system is actively searching for a development partner to assist in this project, with plans to finalize this partnership by spring.
The El Centro Campus has a rich history, having been established in 1966 following the creation of the Dallas County Junior College District in 1965. This initiative was financed by a $41.5 million bond. The campus began its journey in the historic Sanger Bros. Department Store building on Main Street, which was purchased for over $2 million. On its opening day, El Centro welcomed 4,047 students, and by 1968, it graduated 153 students.
Over the years, El Centro has expanded beyond its original downtown location, adding the Bill J. Priest and West Dallas campuses. In 2020, El Centro further diversified its offerings by acquiring a 50,000-square-foot kitchen in northwest Dallas to support its culinary arts and baking programs. This acquisition is particularly significant given that the food service industry is one of Texas’ largest private sector employers, with approximately 1.4 million employees statewide, as noted by Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Texas Restaurant Association.
El Centro is well-regarded for its nursing, culinary, hospitality, and fashion programs. It was the first campus within Dallas College to introduce a nursing program and establish partnerships with local hospitals. Moreover, Dallas College is recognized as one of the largest providers of associate degrees to Hispanic graduates in the United States. Its campuses have also been designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions, which typically occurs when institutions have at least 25% undergraduate Hispanic enrollment. This recognition qualifies them for federal grants that support students and workforce development.
The expansion at the new 801 Main Street location will significantly increase El Centro’s capacity and programming. Chancellor Lonon emphasized that this reimagined campus will enhance workforce development programs, particularly in financial services and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. “We can do that even more seamlessly with new space and focus,” Lonon remarked.
This initiative is part of a broader community effort to improve educational access and workforce readiness in the region. The reporting on this development is supported by a coalition of local organizations, including the Commit Partnership and the Dallas Foundation, which emphasize the importance of informed and engaged journalism in shaping the future of North Texas.
As Dallas College moves forward with these ambitious plans, the institution not only aims to enhance its educational offerings but also to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in various industries across Texas.
