Greater Texas Foundation Establishes State’s First ECHS Scholarship Fund
Oct 13, 2011 | posted by Staff
BRYAN, TX – Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) today announced a financial commitment of more than $3 million to establish the state’s first scholarship program designed specifically for the growing number of early college high school (ECHS) graduates in Texas. Working with five state universities, the GTF Scholars: Early College High School Transfer Scholarship and Retention Program is expected to provide financial assistance to more than 700 students over the next six years from the more than 40 early college high schools statewide.
“Early college high schools are creating a means to higher education for first-generation college-going students,” said Dr. Wynn Rosser, GTF executive director. “By succeeding in rigorous high school and community college courses, students in early college high schools begin gain the knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to succeed at a four-year institution.”
The GTF Scholars Program was established to increase the number of Texas ECHS graduates who successfully transition to a four-year institution of higher education and complete a baccalaureate degree. In establishing the program, GTF sought proposals from four-year institutions committed to creating a comprehensive program that includes a scholarship component and non-financial retention components, which are based on evidence of success or promising and effective practices.
Five four-year institutions were selected to be part of the initial program: Texas A&M University; University of Houston; University of Texas at Brownsville; University of Texas at El Paso; and University of North Texas. Each university will be responsible for awarding scholarships to select graduates of Texas’ early college high schools.
“Texas A&M University is pleased to be partnering with the Greater Texas Foundation and other universities to provide financial assistance and support services to students enrolling at A&M who come from Early College High Schools”, said Mr. Joseph P. Pettibon II, Associate Vice-President of Academic Services at Texas A&M University. “The ECHS model in Texas is growing rapidly and has proven successful in providing students the opportunity to take college courses and earn college credit while in high school. Texas A&M is looking forward to working with these students who want to continue their pursuit of a degree at a flagship, research university. We are committed to working with students around the state in helping them prepare academically for the rigor of an education at Texas A&M, and the ECHS programs are providing the necessary environment and support to give many students a head start in their educational pursuits,” said Pettibon.
“The Greater Texas Foundation shares our belief that student success benefits everyone and that degree completion is the ultimate measure of that priority,” said Marshall Schott, Associate Vice President of University Outreach Programs at the University of Houston. “Thanks to their generosity, more students will be closer to their dream of becoming college graduates.”
“The Early College High Schools have given thousands of students in Texas a jump start on earning a college degree,” said Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, President of the University of Texas at Brownsville. “These new scholarship dollars come at just the right time to help students complete a bachelor’s degree, which will not only transform their own lives, but will improve the quality of life across our state as our population becomes more educated.
“UTEP is honored to be a part of this initiative. With six early college high schools in the El Paso area and more throughout the state of Texas, this program has the opportunity to significantly increase access to and success in higher education for our students,” said Dr. Donna Ekal, Associate Provost in the Office for Undergraduate Studies at UTEP.
“The generosity and forward thinking of Greater Texas Foundation is empowering us to make leaps forward in our university’s strength of services for these bright young students,” said Dr. Troy Johnson, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Chair of the UNT ECHS Planning Committee. “UNT was an advocate for Early College High Schools when helping many begin in the DFW area and this builds on our commitment.”
Early college high schools blend high school and college curricula into a simultaneous educational experience that gives traditionally under-served students the chance to earn up to two years (or 60 hours) of college credit while they finish high school. The facilities, usually located on college or university campuses, make higher education more accessible and also help students become more comfortable in a higher education environment.
Texas is home to 49 ECHS campuses, including Bryan Collegiate High School. ECHS campuses are currently serving more than 10,000 students.
“At early college high schools across Texas, lives are literally being changed as students get a taste of college life and academic success in the higher education environment,” said John Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Texas High School Project. “With the establishment of GTF Scholars, the future of many families and of our state has become brighter.”
“As college tuition rates rise, providing a seamless transition between high school and college is more important than ever,” said Rosser. “With a significant demographic shift taking place, first-generation students and their educational success must be our priority in order to ensure a more prosperous future for the state of Texas.”
Greater Texas Foundation is a statewide education grantmaker, based in Bryan, Texas. The foundation’s mission is to support efforts to ensure all Texas students are prepared for, have access to, persist in, and complete a postsecondary education. GTF puts particular focus on helping underserved and disadvantaged populations. GTF pursues our mission by forming partnerships, supporting research, sharing knowledge, and making grants. From 2002 through 2010, the foundation’s grantmaking totaled $29.8 million from more than 400 grants.
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