This innovative program will enable A&M-Commerce to work with Education is Freedom students from middle school through graduation to create a fun, exciting program that prepares and motivates students to go to college. 

A ceremony to launch Education is Freedom is slated for Thursday, September 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallas-based Education is Freedom will “sign on the dotted line” to officially launch an innovative $3.2-million partnership that focuses on outreach and scholarship opportunities for Dallas ISD youth. 

The partnership will benefit students participating in the rigorous Education is Freedom college readiness program offered at James Madison High School, North Dallas High School, W.H. Adamson High School, Billy Earl Dade Middle School, Thomas A. Edison Middle School, Hector P. Garcia Middle School, Thomas J. Rusk Middle School and Alex W. Spence Middle School. 

Because most EIF students will be the first in their families to go to college, Texas A&M Commerce and Education is Freedom (EIF) have collaborated to enhance EIF’s program that begins in middle school and builds in intensity through the high school years.  Offerings of this partnership include a number of hands-on, fun, ongoing, creative ways to prepare students academically for college and introduce them to college life, such as the Camp College overnight experience.   

Students also will be able to earn up to $1,500 in scholarships by attending a variety of A&M-Commerce campus activities, such as the Harvey Martin Classic football game in Dallas, athletic events in Commerce, participating in on-campus SAT/ACT prep and financial aid sessions, and getting involved in the campus’ annual recruitment day.  

If the students meet specific requirements, they’ll have an opportunity to gain four-year scholarships for tuition and fees at A&M-Commerce through the Pride Promise Guaranteed Tuition Program.  EIF students will also get priority consideration for the Honors College. 

The goal is to recruit 50 students every year to the program for the next five years.  Once the students enroll in A&M-Commerce, the university will continue to mentor and provide academic support to make certain they reach their fullest potential and graduate from college. 

Dr. Dan Jones, president/CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce; Dr. Marcus Martin, president/CEO of Education is Freedom; Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of schools, Dallas ISD; and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert will attend the news conference.  Students who will someday benefit from the scholarships will also speak briefly.  

The ceremony announcing the launch of this outreach/program will be held at North Dallas High School, Library (2nd floor), 3120 N. Haskell.  Parking is difficult, but you should find spaces along the front and sides of the school (on the street). 

About Education is Freedom - Education is Freedom is a national nonprofit organization designed to eliminate the barriers to higher education and promote equality of opportunity in college attendance. Its college access and college readiness program, EIF Dallas, prepares middle and high school students for college by requiring that they maintain a strong grade point averages, participate in Advanced Placement courses, minimize absences and participate in other preparatory activities. In return, students receive guidance, mentoring and help applying to college and finding financial support for their college careers. Currently, EIF Dallas is offered at three Dallas Independent School District (ISD) high schools: W.H. Adamson, North Dallas and James Madison High Schools, and five Dallas ISD middle schools. In addition, Education is Freedom plans to expand its program to an additional three Dallas ISD high schools and five additional Dallas ISD middle schools in the next several years. 

About Texas A&M University-Commerce - Founded in 1889, Texas A&M University-Commerce is a member of The Texas A&M University System.  Located in Northeast Texas, A&M-Commerce is home to nearly 9,000 students, three academic colleges, a thriving graduate school, and more than 100 degree programs.  As the region’s focal point of higher education, A&M-Commerce offers students facilities ranging from a world-class science building and new student center, to a fully equipped recreational facility and the soon-to-be completed music hall.  The university also has convenient facilities in Corsicana, downtown Dallas, Mesquite, and Midlothian.