The Keller ISD board of trustees approved an agreement with The University of Texas at Arlington to bring the Texas Work-Study Mentorship Program to high school students. The program is part of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30TX plan, a strategy designed to help 60% of Texans ages 25-34 years old obtain certificates or degrees by 2030. This mentorship program is intended to improve student access, success and completion of higher education, according to guidelines from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Funding is provided to hire qualifying college students to mentor, tutor and advise students from other participating colleges or school districts. With the board’s approval, UTA mentors will be available 20 hours each week, helping KISD students at the district’s four main high schools and alternative learning environment New Directions High School, according to meeting documents. UTA mentors will work at the campuses’ Go Centers, or information centers for college and career readiness. “UTA and Keller ISD will work together to encourage students to pursue their post-secondary education, military, and career goals,” KISD’s meeting document states. “This will include providing students and parents with college access, financial aid, and career information needed for post-secondary planning.” The program is expected to begin in January, Student Advancement Executive Director Leslee Shepherd said.