The following is a news release from Texas Tech University:
Texas Tech University and the Rockwall Independent School District (ISD) announced today (May 23) a partnership to help students go from earning their high school diplomas to their bachelor’s degree by taking classes at the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy.
Texas Tech is the only four-year educational partner working with the College & Career Academy, joining two-year educational partner Collin College. Texas Tech also will be able to host face-to-face classes at the academy.
“Many students across our state desire a college education and may not have convenient access to a post-secondary degree,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. “This partnership not only enhances the opportunity for further education for these students, but also delivers a high-quality education from a national research university that places an emphasis on the student learning experience. We are proud to partner with Rockwall ISD in this initiative and look forward to engaging future Red Raiders.”
With this partnership, students in Rockwall ISD who may not have had an opportunity to attend college classes will now be able to have a college and high school experience from the convenience of one centralized location.
“Texas Tech has several regional teaching sites that allow place-bound students to receive a high-quality degree from a tier one university,” said Melanie Hart, vice provost for eLearning & Academic Partnerships at Texas Tech. “The opportunity to partner with Rockwall ISD and Collin College at the College & Career Academy is a unique one in that students can receive a high school diploma, an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree at one location.”
John Villarreal, superintendent of Rockwall ISD, is excited about what this new partnership will bring to the students.
“I’m so proud we are partnered with a tier one university like Texas Tech,” Villarreal said. “This partnership will offer many opportunities to our students in the future, as well as the greater Rockwall community.”
The College & Career Academy is a vital part of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics program and offers pathways designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore career options and professional certifications.
It hosts more than 50 courses in the 150,000-square-foot building, providing both high schools in Rockwall ISD with space for additional enrollment capacity on their existing campuses.
(News release from Texas Tech University)
