Partnerships
By Ashley Johnson & Taylor Mayad w Photography by Paul Bryan
Relationship-building is an integral part of the A&M-Commerce mission. By partnering with groups like Education is Freedom, Dallas Community College District and Collin College, A&M-Commerce extends its ability to provide a unique college experience to greater numbers of students.
$3.2 MILLION
PARTNERSHIP
Prepares Dallas ISD Students for College
Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallasbased Education is Freedom (EIF) embarked on a five-year, $3.2-million partnership this fall that focuses on preparing Dallas ISD youth for college, and providing the scholarship money to get them there. “This partnership with EIF is a way of extending our mission to bright, ambitious and highly capable students who might otherwise not have the chance to pursue their dream of a college degree,” said Dr. Jones, A&M-Commerce president. “By joining forces with EIF, we can offer even more students the tools they need to transform their lives through education.” The partnership benefits students participating in the rigorous EIF college-readiness programs offered at three high schools and five middle schools, and aims to recruit 50 students to A&M-Commerce every year for the next five years. The three-part program begins at the middle-school level where A&M-Commerce will participate in EIF roundtables and celebration events honoring high-achieving students. During the high school years, A&M-Commerce will step
up their involvement by hosting SAT/ACT prep sessions, assisting with financial aid and scholarship applications, and conducting a variety of informational sessions in Spanish for parents and students at select schools. Students also can earn up to $1,500 in scholarships by participating in a variety of on-campus activities, like athletic events and Mane Event, the university’s recruitment day. Select students will be invited to attend a Camp College overnight experience where they can experience college life first hand. Once enrolled at A&M-Commerce, the university will continue to mentor and provide academic support for students to make certain they reach their fullest potential and graduate from college. “The extra effort A&M-Commerce is making, from working with students as young as sixth graders, to continuing the connection with prep courses, on site campus visits and scholarships demonstrates their extraordinary commitment to Dallas youth,” said Dr. Marcus Martin, president/CEO of EIF. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert has also offered his support to the program. “A&M-Commerce and EIF understand that the most important investment we can make is in our young people,” Mayor Leppert said. “I praise them for their commitment.”
From left: Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Dallas Independent School District superintendent; Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert; Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president; Dr. Marcus Martin, president/CEO of Education is Freedom.
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Texas A&M University–Commerce ~ Pride Magazine