FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — In an effort to advance the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County is proud to announce a $3.3 million investment over five years into five programs that will help local middle school and high school students prepare for the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA).
The TSIA is a mandatory assessment that incoming Texas public college students take to determine their readiness for college-level courses in reading, writing and mathematics. The earliest students take this assessment is the summer before they enter high school to determine whether they are eligible for early college high school or dual credit programming.
Using funds from Blue Meridian Partners designated for the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County will invest $660,000 (for a total of $3.3 million) annually into these five local programs that will prepare students for college-level courses:
- Alamo Colleges Foundation – Future Ready Scholars
- Good Samaritan Community Services – Pathways to Success
- Restore Education – Fast Pass
- Southwest ISD Education Foundation – Advanced Academics TISA Prep Success Initiative
- Students of Service – Middle School Career Explorers
Students who do not score high enough on the TSIA have to pay to take foundational courses that do not count as credits toward their degree plan or GPA, which can create barriers that stand in the way of their higher education plans, including a higher-education cost and taking longer to complete their degree
Most students do not experience programs or classes that prepare them for college-level courses until 11th grade or later. The chosen programs will help make passing the TSIA exam a reality for students since they will be exposed to college-level material as early as middle school.
“These programs are designed to remove barriers that can stand in the way of a student’s postsecondary journey,” said Loi Taylor, Vice President of the Successful Students Impact Area at United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. “By providing this support, we’re helping students stay engaged, accelerate their path to economic mobility and ultimately grow the number of skilled graduates in San Antonio for years to come.”
Based on data from the 2023-24 school year, only 45% of San Antonio students met the passing criteria for math and reading on the TSIA. This is lower than the statewide average of 57%.
For more information on United Way’s Successful Students Impact work, please visit uwsatx.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kevin Femmel, Director of Communications for United Way, 210-836-8616, kfemmel@unitedwaysatx.org.
###
About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. Check our newsroom online for more United Way news.
|
Categories: Press Releases |
