Dougherty Family College
An innovative two-year college dedicated to removing barriers and creating pathways to four-year degrees for high-need, first-generation students.
An innovative two-year college dedicated to removing barriers and creating pathways to four-year degrees for high-need, first-generation students.
Dougherty Family College (DFC) at the University of St. Thomas equips scholars with the academic, social and professional tools they need to earn an associate degree and transition successfully into a four-year program. With DFC, a rigorous liberal arts curriculum is within reach for students with high financial need. Many of our scholars are the first in their families to attend college and come from communities historically underserved by higher education in Minnesota.
Have questions or want to make a bigger impact? Contact a gift officer to learn more.
(651) 962-6907
Closing the Gap: In a state with one of the largest opportunity gaps in the country, we have a moral duty to challenge the status quo and make Minnesota more equitable. We believe that begins with affordable, accessible education for students with a drive to succeed. Your support of Dougherty Family College means you're creating opportunities that our students would never have thought possible.
The Power of Persistence: For many of the remarkable scholars who graduate from DFC, their journey is just beginning. More than 60 percent of DFC graduates are either enrolled in four-year programs or have earned a bachelor's degree. Your commitment to continuation scholarships at the University of St. Thomas rewards students for their persistence and passion in their education.
Impact at Your Workplace: Through our professional internship program, Dougherty Family College partners with top companies and organizations in the Twin Cities to place scholars in paid internships. Scholars develop professional skills and real-world experiences, and companies benefit from their fresh perspectives. Many scholars go on to choose careers in the industries in which they interned.
Opening Doors to the Future: Our DFC graduation rate is twice the average graduation rate of community colleges in Minnesota. Because of scholarship support, the majority of scholars graduate with zero debt, making it even more possible to continue their education.
Your generosity directly fuels the scholarships, programs, and pathways that remove barriers and create opportunities for Dougherty Family College scholars.
Your gift to scholarships opens doors for the students who need Dougherty Family College most. Scholarships cover tuition and essential wraparound supports, ensuring that promising scholars can access a St. Thomas education, discover their purpose, and persist toward a four-year degree.
Graduating from DFC is only the beginning. Continuation scholarships help graduates complete their bachelor's degree at St. Thomas — where they are more likely to succeed than at any other institution. By bridging financial gaps, you ensure that cost never stops a determined DFC graduate from reaching their full potential.
With donor support, DFC scholars interested in science, technology, engineering, and math can take advanced courses on the St. Thomas campus, building confidence and skills early. This program prepares them for rigorous degree programs and opens pathways to high-demand STEM careers that change lives and communities.
The Constellation Fund
The Constellation Fund has chosen DFC as one of its grantees for its effectiveness and impact in fighting poverty. It calculates that, for every dollar invested with DFC, the return in benefits that reduce poverty is $5.29.
The organization also found that, compared to Minnesota community college students, scholars who start their higher education journey at Dougherty Family College are:
This video was shown at a recent Constellation Fund event that showcased DFC. Dean Buffy Smith shares the power of the Constellation Fund.
Discover how Dougherty Family College has transformed the lives of our students, enabling them to pursue their passions and achieve their academic goals.
Closing the gap in higher education and the workforce is a bold mission that we embrace at Dougherty Family College. Our graduation rate is twice as high as the state and national community college graduation rates. In addition, our scholars gain valuable professional skills and experience by working at companies and organizations that make a meaningful impact in our society.
Our DFC students are steadfast in their commitment to fulfilling their college dreams and becoming leaders who will transform the world. We are grateful for our friends and partners who continue to support our scholars on their educational and career journey. Your dedicated partnership and consistent engagement with our scholars matter and will have an impact in their lives and in our communities for generations to come.
Dr. Buffy Smith, Dean, and Eugene and Mary Frey Distinguished Endowed Chair, Dougherty Family College
A college degree is one of the best ways to beat poverty, said Mike Dougherty '66. My wife, daughters and I want to give motivated, hard-working students the opportunity to succeed in college so they can use their talents and support themselves in the future. One day, I believe these students will be giving back to our community. But for now, this is a way for our family to give back to the community that has been so good to us.
We invite you to get involved and support Dougherty Family College. Your generosity helps current and future Tommies access transformative educational opportunities that shape the future of our communities.
