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Texas Scholars Program Overview

Texas Scholars is a program designed to motivate all students to complete the rigorous coursework required to earn the state Recommended Program Seal. The program emphasizes college prep courses in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, foreign language, fine arts, speech, technology applications and PE/Health. Course grade requirements are 70+ or better, with an emphasis on better.

Texas Scholars is a community-driven effort involving individuals from the education and business sectors, along with local volunteer organizations. It helps students and their parents understand that good, well-paying jobs go to those who have prepared themselves by obtaining a fundamentally sound academic education. Only by satisfactorily completing these courses can students expect to compete in the high technology, global economy of the 21st century.

Texas Scholars meets Plan I or Plan II Recommended Program Course Requirements

Beginning with the class of 2003, to be recognized as a Texas Scholar, students must complete graduation course requirements for the Recommended Program Seal. Those course requirements will also meet graduation requirements for the Plan I or Plan II Recommended Program Seal in the RISD (see Plan I and Plan II Recommended course requirements in the Secondary Program of Studies).

Texas Scholars Program Components

The Texas Scholars program consists of four major components as follows:

• Presentations made by RISD business community members that stress and quantify the value of completing the Recommended Program.
• Recognition and support given each year to 9th through 11th grade students potentially on track to become Texas Scholars.
• Annual recognition at awards ceremonies and at graduation to honor, as a Texas Scholar, each senior who completes the courses that comprise the Recommended program.
• Promotion of TEXAS Grant Program (see Secondary Program of Studies), which provides full tuition and standard fees at state colleges for eligible low-income students who earn the Recommended Program Seal.

Parents Should Be Involved

Support, encouragement and a “You can do it!” attitude will go a long way to help students. We also urge our RISD parents to communicate with counselors and teachers to help their students do the best they can.

Colleges and Employers Give Preference to a Texas Scholar Because:

“Scholars” have completed a rigorous curriculum essential to the development of a globally competitive workforce.
“Scholars” have demonstrated dedication, task commitment, and the ability to focus on a goal.
“Scholars” are prepared to succeed.
“Scholars” seek challenges and opportunities.
“Scholars” care about their futures and the future of their communities.

Obtaining Further Information about Texas Scholars

The Texas Business and Education Coalition’s Web site address, may be accessed at www.tbec.org. Click on the “Texas Scholars” button and scroll through the menu. Additionally, the district Coordinator of Texas Scholars, Tracey Hurst, may be contacted at 469-593-7486.

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