Student Experience: Darren Bradley

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART) Supervisor Darren Bradley got both a raise and a promotion thanks to his hard work in completing the Supervisor Certificate in Dallas College's Management program.

This “opportunity,” as Darren calls it, came from a partnership between Innovate+Educate's (I+E), DART and Dallas College. I+E brought Dallas College and DART together through the Retail Opportunity Initiative, funded by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to increase the economic mobility of entry- and mid-level workers in retail sectors across the country.

The curriculum, delivered fully online, allows a worker with an existing position the opportunity to gain training while continuing to work full-time. 

“When I graduated from high school in 1981, I went to the local community college in Brooklyn but dropped out after a semester and joined the Army,” says Darren. “I didn't have any better choices, and it seemed like a good thing to do. After four years, I left the Army, moved to Dallas to be with my brother and joined the Army Reserve in 1986. I had a couple of other jobs, but I got a job at DART as a driver in 1990 and have been there ever since.”

Once Darren completed the program and demonstrated its required competencies, he applied for and received a promotion to the level of Supervisor II. 

“It was a good example for my kids as well,” he says. “My eldest daughter has graduated from college and is on her way. The younger three are still at home. But now they have my example and their sister’s example to guide them, and I might go back and finish the associate degree. 

“With my earlier college work and the 18 credits from the Supervisor II courses, I’m on my way. They gave me a plan, and I am thinking about it. But right now, I want to relax and enjoy my promotion.” 

The Supervisor Certificate is offered at Dallas College. This certificate can be completed in two semesters; all courses are applicable to the Management Certificate as well as the Management associate degree. The fast-track option can be completed in 24 weeks.

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