From the desk of the County Manager,

Durham County's partnership with Durham Technical Community College represents one of the most comprehensive educational investments in the region, rooted in both statutory obligation and community vision. Under North Carolina General Statute 115D-32, the County provides essential annual financial support, through its General Fund, across three fundamental areas: capital infrastructure development, day-to-day operating expenses, and critical student support services. This foundational support enables Durham Tech to fulfill its mission as a comprehensive community college serving both Durham and Orange Counties, where it has become an educational cornerstone for residents seeking pathways to career advancement and economic mobility.

DTCC’s impact extends far beyond traditional educational metrics, annually serving more than 17,000 students through postsecondary technical and occupational programs that culminate in degrees, diplomas, or professional certificates.

A pivotal moment in Durham County's educational investment came in November 2011, when voters demonstrated their commitment to long-term educational excellence by approving the One-Quarter-Cent County Sales and Use Tax Referendum (Article 46 sales tax). This decisive public endorsement enabled the Durham Board of County Commissioners to establish an ambitious ongoing commitment to strategically allocate Article 46 sales tax proceeds across a comprehensive spectrum of educational initiatives.

This visionary dedicated revenue allocation approach encompasses early childhood education, robust K-12 support, and targeted scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support Durham Technical Community College students. The annual Article 46 sales tax revenue distribution (over $23 million estimated in FY 2024-25) reflects carefully balanced priorities, with Durham Public Schools receiving the largest allocation at 67.12% for operating expenses, followed by 21.74% dedicated to DPS debt service, 8.97% supporting Durham Technical Community College initiatives (approximately $2.1 million), and 2.17% investing in crucial Pre-K programs that establish educational foundations for the County's youngest residents.

Through this comprehensive funding framework of dedicated Article 46 sales tax allocation, the Durham Tech Promise Scholarship has emerged as a transformative program that directly addresses financial barriers facing local students.

This innovative initiative represents more than just financial assistance; it embodies the County's commitment to ensuring that every recent high school graduate in Durham has access to quality postsecondary education regardless of their economic circumstances. Students who enroll at Durham Tech within one year of graduation become eligible for up to $2,000 in support distributed over two years, with funds seamlessly applied to their accounts at enrollment to cover tuition and fees. This automatic application process eliminates bureaucratic hurdles and ensures that financial support reaches students when they need it most.

The scholarship program's eligibility structure reflects thoughtful consideration of diverse student circumstances and educational pathways. These students receive their support through manageable $500 disbursements per semester, creating predictable financial assistance that aligns with academic calendar needs. By systematically removing financial barriers that historically prevented qualified students from pursuing postsecondary education, Durham County's investment strategy recognizes that individual educational success generates broader community benefits through increased workforce capacity, higher earning potential, and enhanced economic diversity.

"The partnership between Durham County and Durham Technical Community College through the Promise Scholarship program represents more than financial support—it's an investment in our community's future," says President JB Buxton, Durham Technical Community College. "Every semester, we see students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue higher education walking across our graduation stage with the skills and credentials they need to build successful careers right here in Durham. This sustained commitment from Durham County doesn't just change individual lives; it strengthens our entire regional economy by ensuring we have the skilled workforce that local employers need to grow and thrive."

The sustained commitment demonstrated through Article 46 sales tax funding represents far more than annual budget allocations; it embodies Durham County's strategic vision for long-term workforce development and educational opportunity expansion that will benefit current residents while attracting future talent to the region. This comprehensive approach positions Durham Technical Community College as both an educational institution and an economic development catalyst, ensuring that the county's investment in education generates lasting returns in the form of skilled workers, innovative businesses, and a thriving local economy that can compete effectively in an increasingly knowledge-based global marketplace.

For more information on the Durham Tech Promise program, visit the Durham Technical Community College website here.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager