The PASS Program has helped me in many ways. As a past PASS student, I feel that this program is an important part of Tarleton State University. The courses we took to help familiarize as with the campus really helped me feel comfortable with Tarleton when I began classes in the fall. Not only did PASS give me the opportunity t meet many students and staff members and make new friends, but Mrs. Madkins, (Director of the Office of Multicultural Services) also helped me find a job on campus. PASS gave me many connections, and I feel privileged to have been part of the program. Those connections still help me when I have trouble in classes or need answers to questions. I know that all incoming freshmen would benefit tremendously from the PASS Program.

Monica Hodgkin, Sophomore
Tarleton State University
Pre-Nursing Program
Monica is a 1998 graduate of
Northside High School in Fort Worth, Texas

The program to Acclimate Students to Scholastics (PASS) began in 1989 as a summer bridge between high school and Tarleton. The program, which included financial assistance, was designed to strengthen the educational disadvantaged students by giving them a special initiation to campus life. The program has been so successful that Tarleton added a second component, PASSPORT, which utilizes a combination of employment compensation and scholarship awards to provide eligible students with a $26,ooo four-year working scholarship.

The ultimate mission of both programs is to identify, assist, and support students from all ethic backgrounds so that excel at Tarleton.

PASS is highly competitive. From the moment student enter the program, they are challenged to do their best. PASS also seeks to instill motivation and increase self-esteem as well as create a sense of community and belonging.

Many of the students targeted for PASS are firs members of their families to attend college. Although they have considerable potential for college success, they may be under prepared in many ways for university academics, and they often lack a strong family support system.

Tarleton, located in Stephenville, Texas, exists in a small-town environment and has a student body side that is ideal for providing disadvantaged students wit hands-on, personalized instruction and educational services.

PASS/PASSPORT was designed to recruit and retain historically underrepresented population of students. Tarleton will continue to strengthen both programs.