District Partners With Tennessee State University; A Partnership for Access to College Education

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The initiative offers qualifying students scholarships, including a full ride for those who meet the criteria. AISD and TSU seek to build a pipeline to college for students.

The Aldine Independent School District is proud to partner with Tennessee State University (TSU) to ensure that money isn’t a barrier for high-performing students across the district. The partnership offers qualifying students guaranteed admission to Tennessee State University in Nashville. TSU offers a wide range of financial assistance and support programs to help them achieve their college goals. TSU, a designated high research institution, offers high-quality programming and community engagement opportunities.

“No matter the ZIP code, money should not be an obstacle for students to go to a four-year university,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “When I joined Aldine ISD, one of the top wishes from our key stakeholders — our students and their families — was to expand options to college and career access. The partnership with Tennessee State University is yet another example of meeting the goals of our strategic plan by developing college and career pathways for our students. We are fulfilling our promise to give more choices and opportunities for students. I am grateful to TSU for being a partner in the positive, life-changing endeavor for so many of our students.”

The Benefits for Qualifying Students

Students selected under the partnership agreement receive the following benefits during the application process:

Guaranteed admission for meeting GPA thresholds as set by Tennessee State University
An annual academic scholarship for up to four years of undergraduate study
$30,000 full-ride scholarship for students with GPAs between 3.7-3.4
All students will receive mentors, support, and tutoring to help them thrive in college.
$20,000 scholarship for students with a 3.2 GPA (additional scholarships and financial aid are available to assist with covering costs)
Dreamers Welcome — The university welcomes dreamers on scholarship; TSU provides support for mixed-status families
Application fee waiver

* Students will need to have health insurance from their home state. Since the university is out of state, students should consider costs when visiting families.

Helping All Students Reach Their Dreams

Susana ‘Susie’ Velis, the Aldine ISD director of college readiness, joined the district in October 2021. She oversees districtwide initiatives targeted at growing college and career mindsets and readiness.

“A large part of my role is to develop student talent and passion,” said Velis. “Having access to a college education is vital toward that, but one of the main concerns for students is college costs. The partnership with Tennessee State University is a great opportunity for high-performing students.”

TSU, an HBCU school established in 1912, offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs. The university has a diverse student population, which includes Dreamers.

“Being a Dreamer means not only to dream and chase your dreams but also to make your dreams become a reality,” said TSU admissions director. “We know there are many DACA students who are top performers who, with the right level of financial support, will thrive and be successful. We pride ourselves on being a diverse university. Our students build friendships that last a lifetime and find their passions. Money shouldn’t be a barrier nor your status.”

Velis is working with high school counselors to identify potential candidates from the Class of 2022 for the scholarships. She expects that within two years, the partnership to develop and grow into a strong high school-to-college pipeline. A ceremony later this spring will celebrate the first group of scholarship recipients from the initiative.

Velis knows that some families may hesitate or prevent some students from leaving the nest to attend an out-of-state college. Some families may have no college experience, not understand the college process, or why their child needs to go away to school. A student may experience pressure to stay home. They may need to take care of younger siblings or help the family financially. The pressure to stay close to home can be stronger for young women to go away to college. And some students, who have never left their families, may experience fear.

“We realize that we may need to prepare some families and their children because moving away to college might be something new culturally,” said Veliz. “But I think most families want their children to have every opportunity and a chance to go to college. And this partnership is a great opportunity for all deserving students.”