FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 21, 2020

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Starting with the Class of 2020, Breckenridge Independent School District seniors in the top 25 percent of their graduating classes will earn automatic admission to Tarleton State University.

The benefit is part of an agreement finalized recently between BISD and Tarleton to ensure higher educational opportunities for especially accomplished students.

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

“We’re very excited to partner with Breckenridge ISD to ensure that some of the brightest students in Texas have the opportunity for a high-quality university experience,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “They are destined to be our leaders, and we have a social and economic responsibility to invest in their well-being.

“This partnership aligns with our commitment to become a first-choice institution for regional high school seniors.”

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

“We are excited to enter into this partnership with Tarleton State University,” said BISD Superintendent Bryan Allen.“Breckenridge ISD is always looking for ways to enhance and expand opportunities for our students, and this agreement does just that.”

The Guaranteed Award Program (GAP) assures first-time-in-college students graduating in the top quarter of their high school class between $1,000 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 GAP, go to www.tarletonstate.us/gap. To learn how to become a Tarleton Texan, visit www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/index.html.

Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 13,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.

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.