DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas is proud to launch the UNT Texas First Program, an initiative designed to support high-achieving Texas students who graduate early from high school. This program offers a combination of scholarships, mentorship and leadership opportunities to ensure student success and equip participants to lead in their chosen fields.

“As a leading Texas public research university committed to excellence, innovation, and access, we aim to serve every qualified Texas student who wants to learn with us,” UNT President Harrison Keller said. “The UNT Texas First Program exemplifies our dedication to helping high-achieving Texas students unlock their full potential. If you’re a high-achieving Texas high school student who qualifies for early high school graduation through Texas First and you’re ready to accelerate your path into higher education, we’re ready when you are.”

The UNT Texas First Program provides initial state-funded scholarships for one or two semesters, along with guaranteed renewable funding through UNT Excellence Scholarships. To be eligible, students must meet requirements for early high school graduation under the Texas First Program and enroll at UNT within the academic year following their high school graduations.

UNT Texas First Scholars also benefit from personalized mentorship, leadership programming, automatic admission to the Honors College and a dedicated campus liaison to guide them through their UNT journey.

Key features of the UNT Texas First Program:

• Scholarships: Eligible early graduates receive TEXAS Grant scholarships and up to $40,000 in UNT Excellence Scholarships.
• Support: Scholars are guided throughout their UNT experience by a dedicated campus liaison.
• Mentorship: Scholars connect with corporate executives and alumni, then mentor future participants.
• Leadership Development: Workshops on self-assessment, resume writing and networking.
• Honors College Admission: Guaranteed admission to the UNT Honors College.
• Priority Housing: Priority access for on-campus housing in their second year.

“This program embodies UNT’s mission to inspire excellence and builds a pathway for high-achieving Texans to get a jump-start on their higher education journey,” said Brenda Kihl, senior associate vice president for enrollment partnerships. “We are thrilled to offer Texas First Scholars a comprehensive experience that supports both their academic success and personal development.”

Bryce Spencer, UNT sophomore studying nonprofit leadership, said the Texas First Scholar program has shaped his experience.

“I joined Texas First with UNT to show that students like me can really make an impact,” Spencer said. “The program has definitely helped support my goals and has made my time at UNT even better. I’m excited for the opportunity to use my UNT degree to impact my community.”

For more information about the Texas First Program and how to apply, visit financialaid.unt.edu/texas-first-scholars.