With school about to start, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), has announced two new programs - Texas First Diploma and the Texas Leadership Scholars. With the Texas First Diploma program, the state’s top students can accelerate their path to Texas universities. Eligible students can graduate early and receive a scholarship for one or two semesters of tuition, fees, and other costs toward their first year at a participating Texas university.
Students eligible for the Texas First Diploma requirements include Texas residency; FAFSA or TASFA completion; at least 22 high school credits and a final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher; and additional academic requirements, including college readiness test scores, STAAR exam participation, and demonstration of mastery in various subjects.
The Texas Leadership Scholars program is an opportunity for our Texas students. The program gives highachieving students a free ride to a top Texas university while providing a peer network, mentoring, and other opportunities to help them unlock their potential. The program is open to just 250 students each year and parents can learn more about the nomination process through their school counselor.