San Antonio embarks on campaign to increase college enrollment
(Nov. 15, 2002)--Nearly 200 high school and middle school students, 70 area community leaders and college and university officials, and 50 volunteers gathered Friday morning at the Institute of Texan Cultures to embark on a new campaign to increase enrollment in higher education in Texas.
The motivational campaign, "Closing the Gaps," is part of a statewide effort to bring 300,000 additional students to the expected 200,000 growth in student population at Texas colleges, universities and technical schools by 2015. The launch of the campaign occurs this month throughout the state.
Pictured above left, UTSA President Ricardo Romo greets Luis Cervantes, a Burbank High School senior. Cervantes, one of the top students in his class, spoke to the crowd about the importance of pursuing higher education. Above right, participants listen to Tejano singer Patsy Torres.
Lower left, young students visit the TRIO programs information table. The TRIO Programs at UTSA are outreach-based programs dedicated to helping low-income and first generation college-bound students to improve their grades and graduate from an institution of higher education. Lower right, students register their enthusiasm at the event.
The Closing the Gaps outreach effort, initiated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is designed to motivate students to pursue college and to mobilize support groups to include parents, teachers, counselors, college leaders, community leaders and business partners in creating an environment that promotes higher education.
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2002