Willis ISD to partner with Sam Houston State University for Bearkat Advantage Program

Sam Houston State University is partnering with five additional school districts in Texas, including Willis ISD, for its Bearkat Advantage program, according to a Jan. 14 news release.

The program, founded in 2023, provides students access to resources such as scholarship opportunities, college admissions support and streamlined enrollment communication through district personnel.

The details

Admission support will offer services such as advising, application fee waivers and auto-admission for students in the top 25% of their class, according to the release.

Alongside WISD, the five new partner districts include Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Madisonville, New Waverly and Waller ISDs, according to the release.

Quote of note

“Our Bearkat Advantage Program creates seamless pathways for students to join the SHSU family,” Ryan Marlin, associate vice president for recruitment and admissions, said via news release. “By collaborating with district counselors, we’re empowering students to rise to greater opportunities and make higher education more accessible and attainable.”