Grant to Center for P-16 Initiatives funds college readiness programs

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
June 8, 2011

The Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State University-San Marcos will extend its college readiness initiatives for area school districts, thanks to a grant from the Texas Pioneer Foundation.

The Texas Pioneer Foundation grant totals $56,000 for 2011-2012.

“The Center for P-16 Initiatives is invested in helping as many students as possible gain access into college,” said Liz Castaneda of the Center for P-16 Initiatives. “Our efforts include FAFSA preparation, college application preparation, SAT and ACT preparation, academic preparation and tutoring.”

Since 2008, the College Access Program has provided pre-college activities designed to increase college-going rates. The CAP works to boost the number of college-bound students by increasing the number of students submitting Texas Common Applications for college enrollment, Free Applications for Federal Student Financial Aid and improving access to pre-college activities and information to families.

“We are especially happy to receive funds to assist with our outreach efforts for underrepresented students in San Marcos as well as Seguin, Lehman, Luling and Lockhart,” said Michelle Hamilton, director of P-16 Initiatives. “This will allow us to have a greater impact on the Central Texas region.”

Texas Pioneer Foundation is a Central Texas foundation that is invested innovative programs in academic education that are sustainable and yield measurable results.

For more information on the Center for P-16 Initiatives, contact Hamilton at (512) 245-2944.