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

Tarleton and Azle Independent School District leaders signed the agreement in April.

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to educational attainment for all Texans,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Earning university credit while learning the expectations of higher education helps high school students bridge the transition to college while also saving them money.”

Tarleton already collaborates with more than 350 school districts statewide, including Azle, 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.

“It thrills us to be a part of the inaugural group of dual enrollment partnerships with Tarleton State University,” said Azle ISD Superintendent Todd Smith. “The program benefits our high school students financially and gives them a better understanding of what college-level coursework entails. As a Tarleton State alumnus, I could not be more proud of this recent partnership.”

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 System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, 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.