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Students attend forums to learn about post-high school options
University of Houston-Downtown President Juan Munoz on Thursday visited with upperclassmen at Austin High School and Eastwood Academy, discussing the limitless opportunities of higher education – and bringing some exciting news to a few seniors.
Located less than five miles from UHD and only a six-minute walk between the two high school campuses, both Eastwood Academy and Austin High School are represented by HISD District VIII Board of Trustee Diana Davila, who joined Munoz on the college-readiness tour.
“It’s important for HISD to have forums like today that introduce another college option and allows for our students to interact with the decision-makers of a university,” Davila said. “Hopefully today, the students realize that there are people who care and are working hard to provide resources they need as they continue their education beyond high school.”
A few seniors at Eastwood Academy and Austin High School were able to celebrate Christmas early. At Austin High School, seniors were gifted with instant acceptances to UHD from Munoz. Students at both high schools also learned that their families with household income of $45,000 or less could potentially attend UHD on a four-year, full-ride scholarship.
Munoz, who delivered his message to students in both English and Spanish, said it was important to get out to the campuses and speak directly to students.
“I couldn’t be more excited to talk with the students in the East End area about the opportunities and affordability offered at UHD,” Munoz said. “It’s part of our mission to become the premier city university.”
One senior at Austin High School said she almost didn’t attend the forum. However, an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field and studying environmental sciences changed her mind.
“By attending today, I was able to learn about the cost-savings benefit in attending UHD before I accrued any large debt that might be associated with attending a school outside of the city and medical school,” senior Sara Martinez said.
Additional college-readiness forums are planned for other campuses, including Chavez and Milby high schools.
Eastwood Academy and Austin High School are two of 40 campuses that are being renovated or rebuilt with the 2012 Bond Program. Eastwood Academy is projected to move into their new campus in 2018, followed by Austin High School in 2020.
Learn more about the 2012 Bond Program, visit www.houstonisd.org/2012bond.