SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 815
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join Texans across the state in celebrating May 4 through 10,
2009, as Texas Early College High School Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, Early college high schools are designed so that
young people who are traditionally underrepresented in higher
education, such as low-income young people, students of color,
and first-generation college attendees, can simultaneously earn
a high school diploma and an associate degree without facing the
burden of paying tuition; and
WHEREAS, Since 2002 the organizations responsible for the
Early College High School Initiative have created or redesigned
more than 200 schools across the nation that have had a positive
effect on the lives of more than 42,000 young people; and
WHEREAS, More than 90 percent of the participants in this
exemplary program earn high school diplomas, and 88 percent earn
college credit; at a time when a year's tuition at a public
college averages $6,600, this program enables and encourages
students to pursue the higher education needed in today's
changing world; and
WHEREAS, Texas currently has 29 early college high schools
serving nearly 7,000 students; with the support of such
organizations as the Texas Education Agency and the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, this outstanding program is making a
difference in education in our state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby commend the sponsors of the Early College
High School Initiative on their dedication to expanding the
number of students able to graduate from high school and earn a
college degree and extend to them best wishes for a successful
Texas Early College High School Awareness Week; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special week.
West, Ellis, Gallegos,
Hegar, Shapiro, Uresti
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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 4, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate