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Serve Your Way To A College Career
Friday Weather Update
Sunny And Hot Conditions Continue 5/17/13
Sunny skies and hot temperatures are expected through much of the weekend. Record heat is possible today.
Sunny skies and hot temperatures are expected through much of the weekend. Record heat is possible today.
Serve Your Way To A College Career 11/26/12
amelnick@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News
November 26, 2012
Paying for college could become easier for future college students.
A Texas lawmaker is exploring an option for students to serve their way to college by earning prepaid tuition.
Representative Eddie Lucio filed HB 66 that would give high school students a chance to earn tuition through giving back.
Provost and Vice President of UTPB, Dr. Bill Fannin, said the pilot program would produce not only qualified students, but also future employees.
“This program along with promoting public service is a way to learn how rewarding it can be to give back to the community,” Fannin said. “And it will help students use those skills and go to college.”
Designated charities would allow public school students, in grades seven through twelve, to earn tuition units, which would be approved by a board.
This incentive for high school students could also boost enrollment numbers because college plans will come at an earlier age Fannin said.
For freshman Karine Rodriquez, she said she relies on financial aid and wasn’t sure she could afford the upcoming semester.
“For the most part, my parents can’t afford college and that could prevent me from getting a job,” said Rodriquez.
But just today, Rodriquez said she found out she received a grant scholarship.
Currently at UTPB, 90 percent of students receive scholarship as incoming freshmen, so financial director Joe Sanders said new student benefits are welcomed since many older programs have been cut.
According to Representative Lucio, the program will be funded through state tax dollars as well as gifts, grants and donations made from any public or private source.