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March 12, 2005
SB 31 – Messing with the Success of Texas Grants
SB 31, the bill described in today’s Houston Chronicle editorial (http://www.chron.com/CDA/umstory.mpl/editorial/3080882) would tie the Texas Grants program to the B-On-Time program, adversely affecting the very students who most need the program.
As the Chronicle notes, “Texas is well below the national average for college graduates. With Texas Grants' contribution to closing that gap, one would think Texas lawmakers would allow the program to continue on its successful way. Instead, a bill in the Texas Senate would combine Texas Grants with another educational assistance effort directed toward middle-income students, B-On-Time. The proposal would require students to graduate in four years or have their third- and fourth year grants converted into loans that must be repaid.”
Consider that only about 24 percent of TEXAS Grant recipients have finished college within 4 years, but after 5 years, this rate goes up to almost 50 percent. In public universities, the 5-year combined graduation and persistence rate for TEXAS Grant recipients are higher than non-TEXAS Grant recipients, while at public community colleges the combined 5-year graduation and persistence rate is 15 percentage points higher for TEXAS Grant recipients,. TEXAS Grant recipients have combined 5-year graduation and persistence rates that are a full 20% than non-TEXAS Grant recipients..
What could possibly be the benefit of penalizing students who need to take 5 or 6 years to finish their degree that would justify putting over 35,000 grant recipients at risk for not completing their education?
Posted by Lyn Wall at March 12, 2005 12:27 PM | Permalink
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Comments
Good post! Texas Grants are vital to the success of students that may not have been able to achieve a college degree without some sort of assistance.
Typically, the vast majority of college students, especially those that have not been as prepared for college and those with financial difficulties, are not able to complete a degree in four years. Although Texas Grants provide a boost, the discussion must also include the need for funding retention programs.
Higher education institutions are finding a growing number of students requiring developmental education (remedial) courses before being deemed college-ready. Without additional time and support, these students will only become a negative statistic.
As we push for continued support of the TEXAS grants, we must also include support for retention programs, first-year experience, and especially first-generation college student programs. A good example of a university retention program is that of the U of H Center for Mexican American Studies--Academic Achievers. With growing graduation rates, as well as added incentives to produce leaders within the Latino community, CMAS/AA is considered one of the most innovative programs in the state.
We have the stats to support a combination of grant and retention programs. Let's push forward!
Posted by: Stace Medellin at March 13, 2005 11:09 PM