Collaboration Brings Three Bell County Schools Together
by Jonathan Petty,
Director, Enrollment Marketing and Communications –
Temple College President Christy Ponce, left, and Texas A&M University–Central Texas President Richard M. Rhodes are interviewed by the press at recent press conference. Temple College, A&M–Central Texas and Belton ISD are partnering in a new initiative designed to reduce barriers for Belton High School students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Belton ISD, Temple College, and Texas A&M University–Central Texas have entered an historic collaboration that simplifies the process of attaining a bachelor’s degree for Belton ISD students. Central Texas Direct (CT Direct) provides acceptance to Temple College and guaranteed admission to A&M–Central Texas upon meeting transfer requirements.
Belton ISD Director of PK-12 Career Readiness Denise Ayres said this partnership positions Belton students for future success.
“We know that about two-thirds of the jobs that are available, as well as new jobs being created, require a college degree,” Ayres said. “We want to make sure that our students have a pathway to continued education and future success.”
What is CT Direct?
CT Direct encourages students to enter Temple College upon completing their high school degree. When applying to TC, they simply check the box on the application saying they are interested in CT Direct and they are guaranteed admission to A&M–Central Texas once they meet transfer requirements.
Shannon Bralley, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management at Temple College, emphasized this is just the next step in strengthen the partnership between Temple College and A&M–Central Texas as the two institutions continue to work together to provide seamless and affordable pathways for students to attain a bachelor’s degree.
“This direct transfer program creates a clear, supported path from Temple College to A&M–Central Texas, eliminating extra steps, reducing confusion, and helping students succeed,” Bralley said.
What Does a Degree Cost?
Through the TC and A&M–Central Texas collaboration, students can complete a bachelor’s degree in many cases for less than $22,000 (tuition and fees). The schools offer pathways that show how Temple College classes transfer directly into A&M–Central Texas programs. This enables students to take the exact courses they need saving time and money. They also gain a better understanding of the transfer process.
According to administrators from the three schools, the initiative is designed to increase the number of students earning advanced education credentials after graduating high school. The latest data shows that 47% of Belton graduates enroll in college during the summer or fall following high school, and 38% earn a credential within six years of graduating.
“This collaboration is meant to reduce barriers that keep students from enrolling in college,” said Clifton W. Jones, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at A&M–Central Texas. “There is a real need for intentional, structured pathways that improve advising and data sharing, and provide guaranteed opportunities for transfer and degree completion.”
Additional Benefits of Joining CT Direct
Through this agreement, transcripts transfer automatically from Temple College to A&M–Central Texas and students are not required to complete an additional application. Students acknowledging interest in CT Direct are also automatically enrolled in Transfer Central, an A&M–Central Texas program that adds additional benefits for community college students planning to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Ayres said the commitment everyone shares as educators is to best prepare students for the workforce and future careers.
“That is one of the most exciting things about this partnership,” Ayres said. “We know that with guaranteed admissions students can complete their bachelor’s degree and even continue their learning, so they can achieve even greater career experiences.” For more information, visit the website at www.tamuct.edu/CT-Direct.
