Edwin S. Flores

The Dallas Independent School District sits in the heart of a large, diverse and dynamic region with a metropolitan population of 6.5 million people in the 12 counties in North Central Texas. Dallas ISD comprises 384 square miles and encompasses the cities of Dallas, Cockrell Hill, Seagoville, Addison, Wilmer and parts of Carrollton, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster and Mesquite. The district is the second-largest public school district in the state, and the 14th-largest district in the nation. They are proud of their award-winning schools, outstanding teachers and staff, hard-working students and committed parents and volunteers. The school district serves approximately 157,000 students in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, in 230 schools, employing nearly 20,000 dedicated professionals. Dallas ISD has seen continual gains in student achievement, and strives to help ensure the success of every student. Upon graduation, more district graduates are college and career ready, primed to be productive, contributing members to the community. It is an exciting time for Dallas ISD as they enter the second year of the $1.6 billion bond program, overwhelmingly, approved by voters in 2015. This program is scheduled to add nine new and replacement schools, and provide renovations, additions and improvements to most of the district's 230 schools. The $1.35 billion 2008 bond program is in the close-out stage with the completion of 14 new schools, and upgrades, renovations, and expansions to many existing facilities. These programs make it possible for students to learn in state-of-the-art educational environments that are safe, welcoming, and energy-efficient.

The primary mission of the Tower Center is to promote the study of politics and international affairs and to stimulate an interest in ethical public service among undergraduates. The Tower Center is an academic center where all parties and views are heard in a marketplace of ideas, and the Center pursues its mission in a non partisan manner.

TO PROVIDE QUALITY YOUTH PROGRAMS, EMPHASIZING CHARACTER AND TRAINING IN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPATING CITIZENSHIP.