Fort Worth ISD, Tarleton Celebrate Pact to Admit Students
(Thursday, January 14, 2021) -– Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, Fort Worth ISD seniors who graduate in the top 25% of their class will be eligible for guaranteed admission and annual scholarships to Tarleton State University. The icing on the cake is that Tarleton will also select one FWISD graduating senior each year to receive a $10,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to four years. The award will result in an annual commitment of $40,000 to the school district.
The announcement was made at the January 12, 2021 FWISD Board of Education meeting and follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Fort Worth ISD and Tarleton in March of 2020.
“Tarleton State University has really stepped up to the plate with the Distinguished High School Partnership Program,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “Their efforts truly recognize the academic success our graduates bring to any educational setting. This long-term partnership offers promise and opportunity for so many students and their families who thought post-secondary education out of reach.”
As part of the Distinguished High School Partnership, created by Tarleton President James Hurley in 2019, the university will waive ACT (American College Test) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) requirements and application fees for qualifying FWISD seniors.
“We are excited to be partners with Tarleton State University in the Distinguished High School Partnership Program,” said Board of Education President Jacinto Ramos. Jr. “This effort is designed to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and furthers the mission of both Tarleton and the Fort Worth ISD. This generous program will offer our students many more opportunities as they prepare themselves for career success and community leadership.”
Students graduating in the top 10 percent of their class can expect a minimum $3,000 award as part of the President’s Guaranteed Award Program (GAP). Those in the top 25 percent are guaranteed a minimum of $1,500.
Board member Carin “CJ” Evans, representing District 5 expressed her gratitude to Tarleton when she said, “We are so happy to partner with such a strong public university. Our students and the entire Fort Worth community will benefit from it.”
Calling FWISD the backbone of freshman enrollment, Dr. Hurley said the partnership “raises a high tide,” enhancing opportunity, access and financial assistance for all students who want a university degree.
And Board member Tobi Jackson, representing District 2 joined her collegues in voicing the considerable impact this will have on students.
“The enthusiasm of this effort, coupled with the ingenuity of Dr. Hurley, and Tarleton State University is a significant win for our students.”
As a bonus, qualifying FWISD seniors enrolled at Tarleton for spring 2021 can expect a bump in their financial aid. Admitted FWISD freshmen must submit a general scholarship application to determine eligibility.
For more information, go to www.tarleton.edu/scholarships. To learn about the President’s GAP, visit www.tarletonstate.us/gap.
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