Student Access
Working together to create a college-going culture in Southeast Texas
- Examine the academic, social and financial needs of first-generation and low-income students of our community and the impact on of these needs on college access, transition, persistence and graduation
- Work with local school districts and institutional colleges and representatives to create and increase collaborative systems of approach and student support.
- Collaborate with the local school districts and institutional strategies for strengthening K12 pathways to recruit, retain and graduate more prepared students.
- Share methods for sustainability given financial restraints and potential budget decreases.
- Create and retain a quality workforce for Southeast Texas.
NEST Innovative Learning Labs
Cardinal NESTs, an acronym for Navigating Excellence, Success and Triumph, are innovative learning spaces with alternative seating for the students of underserved elementary campuses. These labs are science, technology, engineering, arts and math focused and support, the development of financial literacy, career exploration and cultivate a college-going culture. The NESTs are:
- dedicated to precocious kids learning in areas applied to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math)
- elementary and middle school labs that provide an ENGAGING environment to SPARK “the love of learning” in the areas of STEAM-related fields.
- initiatives that incite faculty development by encouraging teachers to seek additional certification in the STEAM areas.
Beaumont Independent School District Locations:
- Pietzsch Mac-Arthur Elementary
- Blanchette Elementary
- Charlton-Pollard Elementary
- Amelia Elementary (coming soon!)
Cardinals SOAR (Students Occupationally and Academically Ready)
Cardinals SOAR, an acronym for Students Occupationally and Academically Ready, is a student commission for student access to higher education. SOAR serves the Office of Community Relations, Economic Development and Student Access through service-learning opportunities in small group guidance sessions with BISD students in their NESTs and at community engagement events.
Nancy Evans Memorial Scholarship
Fueled by the University’s commitment to increase educational opportunities in the Beaumont Independent School District, the Office of Academic Affairs together with the Office of Community Relations, Economic Development and Student Access is excited to collaborate with the community on improving academic achievement.
The launch of the scholarship makes college a tangible, desired expectation rather than just a dream for the youth by providing full scholarships, including four years of tuition, fees, room, board and a book stipend to two deserving graduating high school seniors who attend Beaumont Independent School District.
This collaboration between the LU and BISD is designed to increase higher education opportunities for the district's graduating seniors. The scholarship will be awarded to students who display a clear commitment to education, academic success and embody a spirit for the love of learning.
