TEXAS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Harmony Public Schools (HPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commemorate a new partnership between the two institutions.
The collaboration will develop and expand a joint effort between the two institutions to create programs, projects and activities that support college acceptance, enrollment and completion for HPS students.
Maggie Hinojosa, senior vice president of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs, served as master of ceremonies for the event, held on the Brownsville campus, which brought together UTRGV and HPS administration, students, parents and local representatives to witness this partnership of the schools.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said an important aspect of the partnership is that it focuses on student success.
“It’s not just about students getting in, it’s about students getting in and succeeding. We want them to come to school here, but more than anything, we want them to succeed,” said Bailey
Umit Alpaslan, HPS assistant superintendent, said the transition from high school to college is critical and can be both exciting and challenging.
“This partnership, it turns out, is essential. These types of partnerships can provide high school students with the resources and support they need to make a smooth transition to college,” Alpaslan said.
The main goals of the agreement are to target HPS students and alumni during fall application outreach efforts; educate the HPS team about UTRGV; promote pre-college opportunities to HPS students, alumni and team members.
In addition, it is contemplated to achieve a 90% first-year retention rate for HPS graduates attending UTRGV; a six-year graduation rate of 65% for HPS alumni attending UTRGV is also targeted.
Another goal is to provide opportunities for HPS and the university to collaborate and develop strategies to address the challenges of college attendance for HPS students, many of whom are first-generation college students from low-income families.
HPS will support by providing the university with recruitment information and communicating to its students the benefits of obtaining a higher education at UTRGV. In addition, HPS will appoint a college success coach who will supervise recruits throughout their first two years at UTRGV by providing them with training, support and guidance.
UTRGV plans to appoint a campus liaison to assist in engagement and communication with HPS to ensure a smooth transition for students.
No related posts.
