NHS implementing UT on Ramps
Navasota High School is excited about unveiling its new Collegiate High School Program “UT on Ramps.”
Doctor Tracy Brewer said the program allows for students to earn college credits and a college transcript from University of Texas in Austin without having to leave campus and offers affordable pricing and flexibility.
This program vastly differs from the current Dual Credit Program that Navasota currently offers through Blinn College, with cost, flexibility and acceptance being some key differences.
Brewer said the current program is great but with 70 to 80 percent of NISD students on free or reduced lunch within the district, this alternative helps those who may not be able to afford the cost of the current program.
Brewer said NHS has been working diligently with Dr. Kim Alexander of Roscoe ISD to put together the structure of the program. Alexander has vast knowledge of the UT on Ramps program and has seen the success within his district.
Affordability
Affordability is one of the most appealing factors with the program provided by UT and a decision by the NISD board of trustees will further help to offset those costs associated with the program.
UT on Ramps was presented to the NISD board Feb. 18. Students are required to pay $149 per course with students that qualify as low income receiving a discount and only required to pay $99 per course.
NISD board members grasped the concept of the program and have agreed to further offset the cost by covering $99 per student per course. The offset fee now allows low income students to take the class for free and all other students to take the courses for $50 per course.
The current dual credit program can cost as much as $400 a semester per course.
Course fees include the cost of all necessary books.
Flexibility
Students won’t need to attend classes off campus to receive college credits as is the case with the current dual credit program. Professors from UT will supervise NHS teachers so that classes can be taken on campus.
That flexibility alleviates the strain students who participate in extra-curricular activities experience when having to travel off campus to attend college classes.
Students may take classes over the summer to help further alleviate the stress of extra-curricular activities and ease their workload during the regular school year.
The program is also low risk. If a student doesn’t achieve a grade they are pleased with, the student may take the course again without that grade reflecting on their transcript.
Requirements
Ease and flexibility again come into play. Freshman through students in their senior year may take courses in the on Ramps program without having to pass The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) test.
Students can take as few as three credit hours and as many as 60 hours and complete an associate degree.
Counselors work individually with students to schedule courses that lead to the associate degree which students have interest in.
Students or parents seeking more information about the UT on Ramps program is urged to contact a NHS counselor.