SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 815

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join Texans across the state in celebrating May 4 through 10, 2009, as Texas Early College High School Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, Early college high schools are designed so that young people who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, such as low-income young people, students of color, and first-generation college attendees, can simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree without facing the burden of paying tuition; and

WHEREAS, Since 2002 the organizations responsible for the Early College High School Initiative have created or redesigned more than 200 schools across the nation that have had a positive effect on the lives of more than 42,000 young people; and

WHEREAS, More than 90 percent of the participants in this exemplary program earn high school diplomas, and 88 percent earn college credit; at a time when a year's tuition at a public college averages $6,600, this program enables and encourages students to pursue the higher education needed in today's changing world; and

WHEREAS, Texas currently has 29 early college high schools serving nearly 7,000 students; with the support of such organizations as the Texas Education Agency and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this outstanding program is making a difference in education in our state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the sponsors of the Early College High School Initiative on their dedication to expanding the number of students able to graduate from high school and earn a college degree and extend to them best wishes for a successful Texas Early College High School Awareness Week; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special week. West, Ellis, Gallegos, Hegar, Shapiro, Uresti

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate