Monday, March 8, marked a momentous occasion for TCC and the Birdville Independent School District as they met to sign an agreement providing one year of free tuition at TCC for every graduate of the school district.
More than 1,000 students are expected to graduate from the three high schools– Richland, Haltom and Birdville– this semester and will be able to take advantage of the funds starting this fall. Several of these students were present at Monday’s event on Northeast Campus and a couple even shared their stories and gratitude with those in attendance.
Also speaking to the crowd and expressing excitement, were TCC leaders Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley, Foundation Director Joe McIntosh, Foundation Board Member Shalyn Clark and NE President Larry Darlage. From Birdville, Board President Dolores Webb and Superintendent Stephen Waddell shared remarks.
Representatives from all major news networks and Univision were also at the event, gaining coverage that aired several times throughout morning and evening newscasts Monday.
The Birdville ISD board of trustees unanimously voted in September of 2009 to dedicate $7 million of the district’s oil and gas lease proceeds to establish an endowment fund for scholarships in cooperation with TCC. The TCC Foundation will coordinate the program on behalf of BISD and TCC. For more details and specific requirements, view the Foundation Web site or the official news release.
Photos of the event are also available in the “TCC Buzz” Galleries.