Alvarado ISD and Tarleton State University have a long history of partnering with each other and during Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting both entities dug a little deeper into that partnership with the district joining the Distinguished High School Partnership Program.
Tarleton has become a favorite destination of Alvarado High School graduates over the years and the school district often looks to Tarleton’s education program when recruiting teachers as 57 current Alvarado ISD teachers hold at least one degree from the university.
“One of the reasons we are excited about this partnership is the students who come from Alvarado High School are insanely successful at Tarleton,” Tarleton President Dr. James Hurley told the Board of Trustees. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. Your students are being successful, but more importantly they’re coming back to Alvarado and they’re making a difference.”
The memorandum of understanding signed Monday stipulates that the top 25 percent of each graduating class from Alvarado High School will be automatically accepted to Tarleton. The school is also waiving ACT and SAT requirements as well as the admissions application fee.
Tarleton will also provide at least 20 $1,000 scholarships annually to Alvarado High School graduates who attend Tarleton. Included in the 20 scholarships will be two worth at least $2,000, two worth at least $3,000 and two worth at least $5,000.
In all, Tarleton will be providing at least $34,000 to Alvarado High School graduates each year.
“It was a historic night for AISD students, educators and our community,” Alvarado ISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Estes said. “We are extremely excited about this new partnership and humbled by the generosity of Dr. Hurley and Tarleton State University.
“Our students now have even greater access to the exceptional programs, degrees and professors of the greatest university, Tarleton State!”
Tarleton’s commitment to Alvarado ISD through the partnership will also provide support for AHS counselors in areas of financial aid, admissions and degree counseling, work study mentorships and peer mentoring.