STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University and the Leander Independent School District have agreed to a partnership designed to lend a hand to LISD seniors who want a college education.

LISD and Tarleton leaders recently finalized an arrangement offering guaranteed admission and annual scholarships for the top 50 percent of the district’s high school graduates beginning with the 2022-23 academic year.

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 qualify.

“Our reputation for student success is growing,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “With that comes our ability to attract the brightest minds in our region. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality educational experience to students from across Texas.”

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

“Through this unique and exciting partnership with Tarleton State University, #1LISD is pointing directly toward our graduate profile as we empower learners to enrich our world,” said Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D. 

“Thanks to guaranteed admission for students in the top half of their class, as well as financial assistance through merit scholarships, this valuable program helps remove barriers for any of our students seeking higher education.”

The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program 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 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 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.