The 87 inaugural graduates of the Arlington Collegiate High School have each received a $1,000 scholarship from Texas Trust Credit Union, a news release announced.
The students received the scholarships for earning their associate degree while simultaneously earning a high school diploma.
“These students have excelled at college-level courses while concurrently working on their high school diplomas, which is not an easy feat,” Texas Trust President/CEO Jim Minge said in the release. “They have demonstrated initiative and perseverance, skills that will help them be successful in their future endeavors.”
The release detailed that the graduates were part of a scholastic partnership between Arlington ISD and Tarrant County College in which students earned college-level credit for 60 hours of coursework taken during their four years of high school. Additionally, students had to achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA, participate in a series of personal financial education classes, and complete both programs to receive the scholarship.
“The scholarships are an investment in the students, many of whom will become leaders in our communities and our country,” Minge said in the release. “Their education will have a positive impact on generations to come.”
Texas Trust committed to the scholarships in 2014 during ACHS’ dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony and awarded the funds at a student family event May 19 held at the credit union’s headquarters.
According to the release, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams issued a proclamation at the event recognizing the students for their achievement, as well as the collaboration between AISD, TCC and Texas Trust in coming together to advance the education of at-risk students and help them build a brighter future.