Stephen F. Austin State University named Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath high schools as partner schools in the university’s Distinguished High School Program. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Kelvin Stroy, Rockwall ISD chief student services officer; Dr. John Villarreal, Rockwall ISD superintendent; SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon; and Erma Nieto Brecht, SFA executive director of enrollment management.
This partnership means that top-ranking graduates from the high schools will be automatically eligible for scholarships worth up to $20,000. Inclusion in the program also means all Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath students may waive the $50 application fee, and seniors ranking in the top 30% of their class are guaranteed admission to SFA.
“At SFA, we are fully committed to student success and access, meaning we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to help ensure Texans have affordable access to higher education,” said SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon. “Our Distinguished High School Program recognizes hardworking high school students by helping them obtain their college degree in a more timely and affordable manner.”
Students from partner schools automatically receive scholarship money for up to four years based on their class rank. Of those who apply to SFA from distinguished program schools, students ranking in the top 10% of their class will receive $5,000 per year, and students ranking in the 11-25% of their class with a 3.0 GPA or higher will receive $3,000 per year. Submission of a scholarship application is not required.
“Rockwall ISD is excited to join other school districts across the state in SFA’s Distinguished High School Program. We view this new partnership as an extension of our strategic plan goal to enhance the learner experience,” said Dr. Kelvin Stroy, Rockwall ISD chief student services officer.
Benefits also include additional financial aid assistance to students with high financial need; a special, tailored campus visit; and an assigned admissions counselor to serve students throughout the college-enrollment process.
Students from distinguished program schools applying as first-time college students at GoApplyTexas.org also should submit official SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts to the SFA Office of Admissions. For more information about applying to SFA, visit sfasu.edu/apply or call (936) 468-2504.
