Alvarado ISD Signs Tarleton State University Dual Enrollment Pact

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Beginning fall 2023, Alvarado High School students can earn university credit before they graduate, thanks to Tarleton State University’s dual enrollment program, Tarleton Today.

Tarleton and Alvarado Independent School District leaders signed the agreement Thursday.

“This newest partnership furthers our commitment to educational attainment for all Texans,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Academically ambitious students at Alvarado High School will experience the expectations of college while earning university credit, saving them time and money while they learn.”

Tarleton already collaborates with more than 350 school districts statewide, including Alvarado, through its nationally acclaimed Distinguished High School Partners outreach. Launched in 2020, the program guarantees admission and provides annual scholarships to qualifying seniors.

Students participating in Tarleton Today take university courses over a traditional school year, receiving the high school portion of their instruction from their high school teacher and the university portion from a Tarleton professor. In addition to course content, Tarleton faculty empower students with university-ready skills and provide professional development for collaborating teachers.

Tarleton is developing dual enrollment opportunities in agricultural and STEM areas with school districts throughout Texas. Districts will choose the courses they offer.

TT AlvaradoISD 1 — Alvarado High School students can earn dual credit for selected courses after AISD joined Tarleton’s dual enrollment program, Tarleton Today. On hand for the recent signing of the pact were, from left, Dr. Renee Warner, Executive Director of Administrative Services and Accountability for Alvarado Independent School District; Director of Tarleton Today Dr. Matt Underwood; Alvarado ISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Estes, and AISD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Maribel Diaz.

“We are excited to grow our great partnership with Tarleton,” said Alvarado ISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Estes. “Alvarado ISD strives to inspire and empower learning through a variety of pathways. The Tarleton Today program will greatly expand dual credit opportunities in agriculture and STEM areas for our Alvarado High School scholars.”

Dual enrollment classes use the same lesson materials and learning objectives as courses taught at a Tarleton campus. Students who continue their education at Tarleton automatically qualify for additional scholarships.

A founding member of The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 15,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, A&M RELLIS at Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity, and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.