Be the hero in your halls!
Lead your students toward postsecondary success.
Educators, you have the power to support your high schoolers in preparing them for college and beyond. And we're here to provide you all the information and professional resources you need to lead your campus successfully.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has two new programs to aid top-performing students in going to college. Plus, some exciting updates are coming to the TASFA!
Texas First Diploma
Texas’ top students can now accelerate their path to college! With the Texas First Diploma program from the THECB, you can give your high-performing students a head start on their future. Eligible students can graduate early and receive a scholarship that guarantees one semester to one year of tuition, fees, and other costs toward their first year at a participating Texas university.
Students eligible for the Texas First Diploma must demonstrate the following:
- Texas residency
- FAFSA or TASFA completion
- At least 22 high school credits and a final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher
- Additional academic requirements, including college readiness test scores, STAAR exam participation, and demonstration of mastery in various subjects
Texas Leadership Scholars
Help your students grow into the leaders they are ready to become. The Texas Leadership Scholars program gives your high-achieving students a free ride to a top Texas university while providing a peer network, mentoring, and other opportunities to help them unlock their potential. This premiere program is open to just 250 students each year. Learn more and nominate your TEXAS Grant-eligible top 10% students for the Texas Leadership Scholars program.
Selected students will join a group of peer scholars who have access to:
- peer and professional networks and mentors;
- leadership development;
- opportunities for undergraduate research; and
- essential skill-building for resume writing, social media branding, communication, and much more!
TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)
Previously, we'd mentioned an online version of the TASFA may be available this fall. Unfortunately, the online TASFA has been delayed. To ensure all TASFA students can begin their financial aid applications when the FAFSA opens in October, students should continue to use the paper TASFA during this year’s financial aid cycle. The paper TASFA will open October 1, and we encourage students to complete it as early as possible. Remember that the priority deadline for financial aid is January 15, 2023.
Texas OnCourse Academy
And as always, we’re here to support you with trusted digital resources for free. The Texas OnCourse Academy has up-to-date modules and information available. Create an account or log in to access additional information on college and career readiness, financial aid, and so much more!
