In 2015, Paul Quinn College, a historically Black educational institution in Dallas, Texas, announced that it would become the nation’s first urban work college. All students at the college are given jobs either on campus or with local business that offset their tuition and living expenses.
The concept has made the college more affordable and thus has reduced the debt of its graduates and increased student retention and graduate rates. The college enrolls slightly more than 500 students, according to the latest data supplied by the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 75 percent of the student body.
Now Paul Quinn College has announced that it will establish a second program in Plano, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas. Students will be housed in apartments and the college will seek classroom space at corporations that partner with the college in its urban work program. The college has lined up a number of corporations who will partner with the educational institution including NTT Data Services, Liberty Mutual, FedEx, JCPenney, JPMorgan Chase and McDonald’s.
“The Urban Work College Model developed by Paul Quinn College is a groundbreaking innovation in higher education, and we are excited to be part of it,” said John McCain, chair of NTT Data Services. “The program will bring benefits not only to our company and students but also can enhance quality of life in the broader community. We support this model whole-heartedly and encourage other companies to get involved.”
