|
The Greater Texas Foundation based in Bryan has awarded $25,000 to provide scholarships to students enrolled in the Navarro College/Texas A&M-Commerce Teacher Education Partnership. Since 2003, the Greater Texas Foundation has provided more than $3.5 million to the state’s colleges and universities through its need-based scholarship programs. Because Navarro is located a significant distance from public universities, non-traditional students with family and job responsibilities often have difficulty completing baccalaureate degrees. Many are unable to commute long distances nor can they relocate. To address those issues, Navarro College and Texas A&M-Commerce formed a partnership in 2001, with the university establishing a presence on the Corsicana campus. Students can complete their first two years with Navarro and their last two years through A&M-Commerce, earning both their baccalaureate degree and teacher certification without having to leave Corsicana. In 2007, the program was expanded to include the Navarro campus at Midlothian. In the spring of 2007, 100 students earned their degrees through the partnership. Most of the students in the program are women with families. Many are single parents. While some may qualify for financial aid, the amount they receive is rarely sufficient to cover expenses for tuition, fees, textbooks, transportation, childcare, and other school-related expenses. Funds from the Greater Texas Foundation grant, which will be administered through the Navarro College Foundation, will help alleviate some of the students’ financial burdens. Not only has this program benefitted the student participants, but it has also aided area school districts. Faced with growing teacher shortages, all districts, particularly those in rural areas, often have difficulty attracting candidates. One area school administrator commented, “This program has been a godsend for us in meeting our needs for quality faculty.” For more information on the Greater Texas Foundation Funds Scholarships or other scholarships available at Navarro College, please contact the Navarro College Foundation at (903) 875-7380, or send your e-mail requests to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|