FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University and Waxahachie ISD have agreed to a partnership designed to lend a hand to WISD seniors who want to get a college education.
The Waxahachie ISD and Tarleton leaders finalized an arrangement offering guaranteed admission and annual scholarships for the top 25 percent of the district’s high school graduates beginning with the 2020-21 academic year.
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.
Tarleton is developing similar agreements with other school districts in the region.
“Waxahachie ISD is quite pleased to enter into this MOU with Tarleton State University,” said WISD Superintendent Bonny Cain. “This agreement will continue to expand options available for our students as they pursue post-secondary education.
“Most importantly it allows students to attend a university that exemplifies excellence with varying degree programs and gives them extra money to reduce the cost of college,” Dr. Cain said.
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.
“We’re very excited to partner with Waxahachie ISD to ensure that some of the best and brightest students in Texas have the opportunity for a high-quality university experience,” said Tarleton President James L. Hurley. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to become a first-choice institution for regional high school seniors. They are destined to be our leaders and we have a social and economic responsibility to invest in their well-being.”
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.
Contact: Phil Riddle
817-484-4415
[email protected]
