UT Tyler Receives $1.4 Million Grant
June 2, 2017
UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications
UT Tyler Receives $1.4 Million Greater Texas Foundation Grant
Follow @UTTyler TweetJune 2, 2017
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The University of Texas at Tyler has been awarded an eight-year grant totaling $1,444,000 from the Greater Texas Foundation Scholars program to support graduates of Texas Early College High Schools, Dr. Michael Tidwell, president of The University of Texas at Tyler, announced.
GTF Scholars is a scholarship and retention program designed to increase the number of ECHS graduates who successfully transition to and complete a baccalaureate degree by providing these students with both scholarships and non-financial support.
"Our top goal at UT Tyler is to help students start successful careers, and this program will allow us to develop the right support network for students coming to us from Early College High Schools. We are honored to be chosen for the Greater Texas Foundation Scholar's program, and excited about building programs to meet the unique needs and challenges of these students as they transition first to a four-year environment and then ultimately into productive careers," President Tidwell said.
To date, more than 500 students have participated in the GTF Scholars program, 70 percent of whom identify as Latino or Hispanic and 67 percent of whom identify as first-generation college students.
An independent evaluation of outcomes for the first cohort of students indicates that, compared to similar peers not participating in the program, GTF Scholars are more likely to persist from year to year, graduate on time and complete their degree program with significantly less loan debt.
One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at The University of Texas at Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 10,000 high-ability students. The University of Texas at Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.