The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has awarded a two-year, $70,000 grant to Texas Wesleyan University to help educate high school students about preparing for and attending college.

The funding is used for GO Centers in five area high schools: Polytechnic, Castleberry, North Crowley, Crowley and the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center in Crowley ISD. Since 2006, Texas Wesleyan has been supporting high school students through its University- supported GO Centers.

Recognizing that educational gaps exist within Texas, in 2000, the THECB adopted the Closing the Gaps by 2015 initiative, with strong support of the state's educational, business and political communities. Through the THECB GO Center program, Texas Wesleyan students work in the centers, based within the high schools and mentor future college students.

"This grant provides funding for our students to help high school students learn more about college and what is involved in applying and getting accepted,” Deborah Roark, director of grants and research, said. "It's a great opportunity for our students — many of whom are first-generation college students — to share what they've learned and help guide others."

One of the biggest assets of the centers is that the information prospective students need is readily available in one location.

"The GO Centers provide high school students and parents with direct access to college and financial aid information," Denelle Rodriguez, assistant director of admissions, said. "Our collegiate mentors have the opportunity to mentor students and promote college awareness. This initiative continues to have a positive impact on promoting college awareness in our partner high schools."