The partnership with Spring ISD and Prairie View A&M University will allow students in the top 25 percent to apply to the university early.[/caption]

Spring ISD announced a new partnership with Prairie View A&M University on March 28.

The university declared that SISD students who rank in the top 25 percent of their classes by the end of their junior years will be provided early admission and other services.

“The partnership that we announced is focused on automatic admission for select groups of students and scholarship dollars that are earmarked for Spring ISD students who will attend Prairie View A&M University,” SISD Superintendent Rodney Watson said.

He said the partnership allows students to receive a quality education at a well-known university.

“This partnership is a true testament that our community—and Prairie View is very much part of our community—is working with us to provide opportunities for students who may have not thought that they would have the opportunity to go to a four-year institution,” Watson said.

Watson said the partnership, which goes into effect this year, supports Every Child 2020, a strategic improvement plan in the district to foster student success.

In order to be admitted, students have to fill out the application, he said.

“Many students think that college is not within their reach either due to finances or because they think they won’t be accepted by a college or university,” he said. “This partnership makes it possible for our students—if they apply themselves and do what is necessary—to not only go to college but get accepted early and receive scholarships as well.”

PVAMU also will provide the district with a total of 15 scholarships valued at $5,000, Watson said. The university is also working on setting up preview days and events for SISD students that will include information on financial aid and admissions.

“We are always looking for ways to maximize opportunities for parents and students to have choice, and this provides another choice as we prepare our kids to be college and careerready,” Watson said.

100 University Drive, Prairie View 936-261-3311 www.pvamu.edu