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

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

“This newest partnership furthers our commitment to educational attainment for all Texans,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Academically ambitious students at Lampasas High School 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 Lampasas, 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.

“We have been impressed with the innovative approach Tarleton State has taken in working with us to help our students,” said Lampasas ISD Superintendent Dr. Chane Rascoe. “The Tarleton Today program is an exciting opportunity for our students to further their education by developing job-ready skills.”

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.