The background
The new pathway is designed to remove barriers for SAISD students who want to pursue a college degree, according to a news release.
The direct admission program is open to all SAISD students who are in the top 25% of their high school graduating class at the end of their fifth semester—the fall semester of their junior year. UTSA will accept the first cohort of students in fall 2024, the release stated.
- Upon launch of the new direct admission program, SAISD notified more than 700 high-achieving SAISD juniors about the chance to be offered direct admission by UTSA.
- More than 400 of those students indicated they were interested in joining UTSA’s fall 2024 entering class.
- Of those, 282 have already completed or are completing UTSA’s admission application, the release stated.
The program covers 100% of UTSA’s tuition and mandatory fees, the release stated. UTSA officials said this form of financial aid is vital towards eliminating a major obstacle for students seeking to earn a college degree.
What they’re saying
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said his university is committed to growing the local workforce and positively affecting San Antonio’s economic development by preparing students to succeed in the jobs of the future.
“We have enjoyed a strong partnership with SAISD for many years, but this new program is especially exemplary of UTSA’s keen focus on student success and its desire to make higher education more accessible, especially for those from underserved communities,” Eighmy said in a statement.
SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino said the new direct admissions program will help SAISD students more easily access postsecondary education. Nearly 75% of SAISD’s students come from economically disadvantaged families, the release stated.
“We are proud of this partnership that offers our students exceptional support as they enroll and persist in their studies at UTSA,” Aquino said.
