TXST, San Marcos CISD partner for dual credit program

San Marcos CISD Superintendent Michael Cardona (left) and TXST President Kelly Damphousse pose for a photo together at the signing ceremony.

Texas State University and San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) have partnered for a dual credit program that allows high school students to be awarded both high school and college credit for courses offered by TXST applicable toward a TXST degree.

During the pilot program, effective this academic year with waived tuition and fees, eligible juniors and seniors are taking a variety of English, history, political science, and math courses on the San Marcos Campus.

Seven seniors and 16 juniors are enrolled in the program this fall.

“I am especially excited for this partnership with San Marcos CISD because it directly impacts the juniors and seniors of a city that TXST calls home,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “This is an enormous win for high school students who have their hearts set on becoming Bobcats and extra incentive for those who haven’t chosen yet. By introducing college-level course work to students now, they will have a head start on what to expect when they eventually enroll at TXST.”

TXST held orientation sessions for all enrolled high school students and parents to provide information related to campus layout, academic policies, support services, syllabus and curriculum, and student opportunities.

The outcomes hoped to be achieved with the program are improved student performance, a better understanding of advanced course work, and increased grades across high school and college courses.

The dual credit program goals were developed to align with the Texas Education Code statewide goals. These include improving enrollment in, and acceleration through, postsecondary education, improving student performance in college-level course work, and developing an effective bridge between secondary and postsecondary education in Texas.

The dual credit partnership with San Marcos CISD is launched on the heels of seamless transfer partnerships with Austin Community College and Collin College for community college students to have clear pathways to earning four-year degrees at TXST.

Visit TXST’s Strategic Initiatives webpage for more information on dual credit programs.