STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Academy Independent School District seniors could find it easier to obtain a college education following a pact to benefit the school’s top graduates.

The AISD Board of Trustees and Tarleton leaders have finalized a memorandum of understanding offering annual scholarships and guaranteed admission for the top 50 percent of Academy graduates beginning with the Class of 2023.

As part of the Distinguished High School Partnership, Tarleton also will waive ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) requirements for students in the top half of their class and application fees for students who demonstrate financial need.

“This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality experience to students in our region,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Academy graduates flourish when they come to Tarleton. This makes it possible for more of them to be Tarleton Texans.”

Tarleton is developing similar agreements with other school districts in the area.

“Academy ISD is excited to be a partner with Tarleton State University,” said Dr. Billy Harlan, AISD Superintendent. “Creating pathways for our students to grow educationally is important.  This partnership will open doors for so many students — it will be exciting to see our Bumblebees continue their successes when they choose Tarleton State.”

The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program assures first-time-in-college students graduating in the top half of their high school class between $500 and $4,000 in scholarships. Students graduating from one of Tarleton’s Distinguished High School Partners will receive an additional $500 or $1,000. Admitted freshmen must submit a general scholarship application to determine eligibility.

For more information on the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program, go to www.tarleton.edu/GuaranteedScholarship. To learn how to become a Tarleton Texan, visit www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/index.html.

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 more than 16,000 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.