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Career-Connected Learning and Free Training

Dallas College can help you enroll in a CAREER and guide you to creating a successful path to a brighter future for you and your family.

On this page learn of programs that are available to you through Dallas College Career Connected Learning (CCL) and how you can enroll. First, fill out our CCL interest form to let us know what programs you are interested in and what support you may qualify for.

The first question will ask you to choose one of the following options:

Self-Pay

I plan on paying for the course myself.

This option lets us know you do not want your classes funded by any type of grant. You will be directed to the CE registration page where you can register yourself and pay to enroll in a class.

Company Sponsored

My company wants to pay.

This option will send your information to the Dallas College Ascend Institute. A representative will contact you to go over the necessary steps to setup customized training for your company or employer.

Grants & Assistance

I may need assistance paying for courses and would like to see if I qualify for help.

This option will allow you to consider several funding opportunities available at Dallas College through special grants and programs.

Is this really free?

Yes, it’s true! These programs can be absolutely free to you. They are funded by special grants and programs that aim to help people in our community — just like you!

Choosing the Grants and Assistance option when you fill out the CCL interest form will start you through the well-known WorkReadyU structure and help us identify your eligibility for funding opportunities at Dallas College.

For over a decade the WRU structure has fostered partnerships and a network of efforts to ensure education is accessible to all. This structure has led the way in identifying the best programs that will prepare you to be successful in college-level courses, build stackable credentials, or gain experience through apprenticeships. By the time you enroll you will have identified your personal goals and professional goals and understand how this Dallas College program can convert to industry recognized certifications or an undergraduate academic degree; ultimately guiding you to a career, promotion, or professional advancement.

Take advantage of this opportunity and maximize your potential.

Free Entry-Level Learning

Sometimes you just need that extra boost to start out. We have the following opportunities to help prepare you for your next big move:

Student with folders in her arms looking up at the sky smiling

Free High School Equivalency (GED) Prep

  •  Free training
  •  In English or Spanish
  •  Classes start year-round
  •  All 7 campuses

For most people, deciding to drop out of high school isn’t easy. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to earn your GED.

The WorkReadyU program has a team of caring instructors who prepare for students to improve basic skills in preparation for one of the three high school equivalency (HSE) tests: GED, HiSET and TASC. Instruction is in math, language arts, science and social studies.


Hispanic man on the phone

Free ESL Classes / Clases de inglés gratis

  •  Free training
  •  Classes start year-round
  •  All 7 campuses

For most people, deciding to drop out of high school isn’t easy. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to earn your GED.

WorkReadyU can help you improve your English skills so you can attend college, get a good job or advance your career. Students who qualify receive free ESL classes, regardless of residency or visa status.

El Plan WorkReadyU puede ayudarte a mejorar tus habilidades en el inglés para que puedas asistir a la universidad, conseguir un buen empleo o avanzar en tu carrera. Los estudiantes elegibles reciben clases de inglés gratuitas, sin importar su estatus de residencia.

Free Workforce Training and Learning

We offer free training and learning in the top in-demand fields in DFW.

Within these training fields, some of these additional features may be available to you:

Credit certificates and degrees
Stackable credentials
Noncredit and fast-track options
Noncredit and fast-track options
Group of professionals around a computer

Business, Hospitality and Global Trade

  •  Free training
  •  Classes vary
  •  Credit and noncredit
  •  Campus varies

Some of the training and occupations in this area include:

  • Financial Services Professional
  • BankWork$
  • Customer Care Agent
  • Insurance Agent/Customer Service Representative
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Mortgage Loan Officer
  • Culinary Foundations

Engineers at a computer

Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences

  •  Free training
  •  Classes vary
  •  Credit and noncredit
  •  Campus varies

Some of the training and occupations in this area include:

  • Help desk and technical support
  • Web designers and programmers
  • Cyber security
  • VMWare and visualization
  • Linux and DevOps
  • Software development

Healthcare professional

Health Sciences

  •  Free training
  •  Classes vary
  •  Credit and noncredit
  •  Campus varies

Some of the training and occupations in this area include:

  • Patient Care Technician
  • Community Health
  • Medical Assisting
  • Pharmacy Technician

Public speaker

Law and Public Service

  •  Free training
  •  Classes vary
  •  Credit and noncredit
  •  Campus varies

Some of the training and occupations in this area include:

  • Basic Peace Officer
  • Dispatcher
  • Corrections (Jailer)

Construction employee

Manufacturing and Industrial Technology

  •  Free training
  •  Classes vary
  •  Credit and noncredit
  •  Campus varies

Some of the training and occupations in this area include:

  • NCCER Construction Trade
  • Logistics
  • Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Mechatronics
  • Welding
  • Orbital Welding

Free Opportunities for Special Groups

Sometimes you just need that extra boost to start out. We have the following opportunities to help prepare you for your next big move:

Veteran Family

For Veterans and Military Families

  •  Free training
  •  For veterans or military families only

We offer special training for active military, veterans and their spouses. Training can be done in as little as 15 weeks. We also offer specialized training in robotics and manufacturing jobs.


Group of students sitting on stairs

For High School Students (Dallas College Promise)

  •  Free training
  •  Apply and pledge ahead of Fall
  •  All 7 campuses

Current high school students in Dallas County can take advantage of the Dallas College Promise, which covers the cost of tuition at Dallas College for up to three years or completion of an associated degree.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.


Family of four posing

For Parents of Promise Students (Parent Promise)

  •  Free training
  •  Only for parents of Promise students
  •  All 7 campuses

Parents of students enrolled in Dallas College Promise may be eligible for free tuition at Dallas College for certain in-demand degrees and certificates.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.


Group of young adults working together

For Young Adults (Ages 18-24)

  •  Free training
  •  Only for young adults 18-24
  •  All 7 campuses

Dallas College Young Adults group is a free adult education program specializing in career pathways for 18–24-year-olds.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply.


Young business owner holding Open sign

For Small Business Owners

  •  Free training
  •  Cohort-based
  •  4 months

Through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Dallas College helps small business owners gain practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing and employee managmement.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.


Young man working on a machine

For Dallas ISD Juniors and Seniors (Workforce Scholars)

  •  Paid internship
  •   Only for Dallas ISD juniors and seniors
  •  All 7 campuses

We provide career-ready high school students opportunities to participate and apply knowledge and skills learned in a classroom through work-based learning experiences.


Young adult shaking a hand

For Students with a Learning or Cognitive Disorder (Project Aspire)

  •  Free tuition
  •  Only for students with a learning or cognitive disorder
  •  All 7 campuses

Through Project Aspire, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or a related learning or cognitive disorder can take classes to improve academic, business, career exploration and soft skills.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.

Need Help To Get Started?

If you are interested in pursuing any sort of free career-connected learning, just fill out this quick interest form. Our team will contact you to discuss which training opportunities you might be eligible for!

Or, if you have questions or need help enrolling, contact a college coach for help.

Updated August 26, 2025