Grant to Center for P-16 Initiatives funds work-study students

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
August 10, 2011

A grant to the Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State University-San Marcos from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will fund 25-30 work-study students for 2011-2013.

The work-study students employed will work at several local high schools and community centers in Central Texas to increase college access. The grant total is $300,000.

“We are thrilled to receive the funding over the next two years,” said Liz Castañeda, grant coordinator for the center. “Our student workers are the back bone of our work, without them we would have a difficult time reaching as many students.”

The grant assists in the retention of Texas State students that show financial need and are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

“We provide college students with employment that is flexible and compatible with their class and study schedule in order to increase college persistence and success,” said Michelle Hamilton, director for the center. “These same college students assist in the recruitment of underrepresented high school students through financial aid and college application assistance.”

Since 2009, the Center for P-16 Initiatives has assisted over 24,000 high school students and parents with college access through its various funded programs. For more information about the Center for P-16 Initiatives, or information regarding a student worker position, contact Liz Castañeda at ec23@txstate.edu.