SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 5, 2009) – San Antonio College has been selected to receive grants totaling $683,365 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to fund three outreach programs over the next three years:
 
1.   A summer bridge program to serve 11th and 12th grade students from San Antonio ISD;

2.   The Senior Summer Program that enrolls recent high school graduates from local high schools Jefferson, Edison, Fox Tech, Lanier and Highlands in SAISD; Kennedy and Memorial in Edgewood ISD; Holmes and John Jay in Northside ISD; Lee in Northeast ISD; and Alamo Heights High School; and  

3.   A full-year transition program in partnership with Edgewood ISD;

“These grants will give us many more resources to help students succeed academically and move on to college,” said SAC President Robert E. Zeigler.  “Achieving academic success will help students have fulfilling careers and improve the quality of life in our community. We enjoy our relationships with local high schools and see these programs as beneficial to the college and students.”
 
These programs are a part of SAC’s Division of Evening, Weekend and Distance Education, under the direction of Dean Ruben Flores. The THECB grants will enable SAC and the participating school districts to continue working to prepare low-income students for college success.
 
Summer Bridge

With the Summer Bridge, students from inner-city San Antonio high schools who have not demonstrated college readiness will gain the knowledge and skills to perform better during their junior and/or senior years.  
 
In 2007, SAC’s Summer Bridge program was one of three in the state to be considered exemplary by the THECB.
 
Senior Summer

In addition to students from the grant partnering schools, the Senior Summer Program is open to all students. Now in its tenth year, Senior Summer is an opportunity for recently graduated high school seniors to earn up to seven college credits.  The program offers classes in math, sociology, U.S. history, English and reading.
 
Tuition for Senior Summer Program is $428 for six credit hours. Financial aid is available through the Federal Financial Aid Program by completing the FAFSA  (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).    
 
Dates for the Summer Bridge and Senior Summer program are  June 8 to July 10. Registration for Senior Summer is under way and both programs are open to qualifying students.  
 
Transition Program
The transition program will recruit, assess and enroll 11th and 12th graders from Edgewood ISD.  They will receive college readiness coursework in English, math and college success and one-on-one counseling, tutoring and field trips. The program runs from September to May.
 
For more information, contact Ruben Flores, Dean of Evening, Weekend and Distance Education, 210-486-0941.