Foundation to fund mentoring program with $393.5K grant

Money means 360 TC students will have chance at better future

The Texas Pioneer Foundation recently gave Texarkana College $393,750 to fund a three-year college mentoring partnership for under-served students. College Forward, an Austin-based access and success program, will provide mentors to help guide low-income students to collegiate success.
From left to right:  TC President James Henry Russell, TC Trustee Jane Daines, TC Trustee Kaye Ellison, Texas Pioneer Foundation Executive Director Fred Markham, TC Trustee Ernie Cochran, TC Foundation Director Katie Andrus, TC Trustee Ken Reese and TC Trustee Anne Farris.
The Texas Pioneer Foundation recently gave Texarkana College $393,750 to fund a three-year college mentoring partnership for under-served students. College Forward, an Austin-based access and success program, will provide mentors to help guide low-income students to collegiate success. From left to right: TC President James Henry Russell, TC Trustee Jane Daines, TC Trustee Kaye Ellison, Texas Pioneer Foundation Executive Director Fred Markham, TC Trustee Ernie Cochran, TC Foundation Director Katie Andrus, TC Trustee Ken Reese and TC Trustee Anne Farris.

The Texas Pioneer Foundation has committed almost $400,000 to fund a three-year college mentoring partnership at Texarkana College.

The funds are earmarked for College Forward, an Austin-based college access and success program that will begin in the fall for approximately 360 TC students to propel them to collegiate success and a more secure future.

"We appreciate what your institution does and this support," TC President James Henry Russell said to TPF Executive Director Fred Markham during Monday's board of trustees meeting. "It's one of the reasons why we're still here today doing some great, neat things for our students that our budget would not allow us to be doing. Thank you."

The Texas Pioneer Foundation was established in 2004 to support academic excellence among Texas students. 

College Forward will provide mentors to students who are unfamiliar with college culture and will help them to understand the application and financial aid process.

"The benefits of having a mentor guide you through the process will ensure greater access to a brighter future for these students," Russell said in a press release.

The $393,570 grant will fully fund the program's first year, provide 75 percent the second year, and pay half the program's costs in the third and final year.

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