The Texas Scholars program is a statewide effort that utilizes the business community to encourage students to take the more rigorous high school coursework (Recommended High School Plan [RHSP] or above) that will prepare them the next step after graduation

Upon completion of the RHSP, the student is eligible for the TEXAS Grant, established to provide money to enable well-prepared eligible students to attend public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Texas. The program itself is aimed at the middle-of-the-road students who, if given an extra push, are more likely to achieve a higher level of accomplishment in and out of school.

The driving forces behind Texas Scholars stress a three-fold responsibility to guarantee the success of the program:

• The first being that, as leaders in education, it is our duty to the children of our communities to ensure their academic prosperity.
• The second being that the business community must also have a hand in education. Otherwise, they forfeit their influence on the quality of those entering their workforce.
• Lastly, parents must continue encouraging their children to work hard and strive to reach these rising expectations.

The Texas Scholars program is attempting to lessen the pressure on the educators and make school districts, the business community and parents all equal partners in advancing the state of education in Texas.

Texas Scholars is a no-cost to low-cost program. Beginning with the presentation to eighth-grade classrooms, the program can involve a number of inexpensive, or even free, incentives throughout high school based on what is most appropriate for your district. It is a simple, yet positive way to reward those kids that are going the extra mile to become better prepared for whatever awaits them after high school. Recognition comes during senior year when the Texas Scholars students are given medallions. Also, eligible students are awarded the TEXAS Grant.

The Texas Scholars program is currently active in 306 school districts statewide with extremely successful results and is growing every year. If you would like to more information on Texas Scholars and the TEXAS Grant, please call 214-746-6778 or go to the Texas Scholars website at www.texasscholars.org.