DENTON (UNT), Texas— The North Texas Regional P-16 College and Career Readiness Marketing Project, headquartered at the University of North Texas, will host a visit for 60 middle school students on May 3 (Friday) to encourage participation in higher education as part of the state-wide celebration of GenTX day.
The North Texas Regional P-16 Council works with schools; families; businesses; faith-based groups; local, state and federal agencies; and community organizations to support the success of students from pre-school to their fourth year of college. The council is co-directed by Jean Keller and Mary Harris, professors in UNT’s College of Education.
“The outcomes associated with the North Texas Regional P-16 Council are: better prepared students, healthier and productive schools, improved educational standings in communities and educated citizens and workforces in communities in the north Texas region,” Keller said.
On Friday, eighth-grade students from Edward H. Cary Middle School in Dallas will interact with UNT students in a series of small-group activities and informal question and answer sessions. The activities are sponsored by the UNT Office of Outreach.
Generation TX is a statewide initiative, supported by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which focuses on creating a college-going culture across the state. Generation TX is working to clarify the path to college for Texas students and families by providing information on college readiness, college application and financial aid. The first annual GenTX Day launched on May 2011 in Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston.
Funding for the North Texas Regional P-16 council project is provided by a $50,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Participation in GenTX day includes wearing a college T-shirt and either filling out a college application, taking a college tour or being a college mentor.
For more information on GenTX day contact the UNT Office of Outreach at 940-369-7391.
About UNT’s College of Education
UNT’s College of Education prepares students to contribute to the advancement of education, health and human development. Founded in 1890 as a teacher’s training college, UNT now enrolls more than 4,000 students in the College of Education, which consists of four departments — counseling and higher education; educational psychology; kinesiology, health promotion and recreation; and teacher education and administration. UNT’s College of Education certifies about 1,000 teachers a year — making it the largest producer of new teachers in the north Texas region. Students are also prepared for careers as researchers, counselors, leaders, physical activity and health promotion specialists, child development and family studies specialists and more.