1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to a public awareness campaign to promote the value and 1-3 availability of higher education. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding 1-6 Subchapter X to read as follows: 1-7 SUBCHAPTER X. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN PROMOTING 1-8 HIGHER EDUCATION 1-9 Sec. 61.951. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. (a) The board 1-10 shall establish a statewide public awareness campaign to promote 1-11 the value and availability of higher education. 1-12 (b) The campaign may include the provision of information 1-13 on: 1-14 (1) the benefits of obtaining a postsecondary 1-15 education; 1-16 (2) the types of institutions of higher education and 1-17 degree programs available; 1-18 (3) the academic preparation needed to pursue a 1-19 postsecondary education and any other requirements for enrollment 1-20 at an institution of higher education; and 1-21 (4) how to obtain financial aid and what forms of 1-22 financial aid are available. 1-23 Sec. 61.952. TARGET AUDIENCE. (a) The campaign established 1-24 by the board must target primary and secondary school students. 1-25 (b) The board shall give priority to reaching primary and 2-1 secondary school students from groups or backgrounds that are 2-2 traditionally underrepresented in higher education. 2-3 Sec. 61.953. COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES. The board 2-4 may coordinate with other agencies as necessary to develop and 2-5 implement the public awareness campaign. 2-6 Sec. 61.954. FUNDING. The board may use any available 2-7 revenue, including legislative appropriations, and may solicit and 2-8 accept gifts, grants, and donations to undertake the campaign. 2-9 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001. _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 573 passed the Senate on March 7, 2001, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 573 passed the House on May 3, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: _______________________________ Date _______________________________ Governor