HISD, UH team up to offer free college tuition for select students

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The opportunity to lead a classroom is about to get a lot more tempting for HISD high schoolers interested in pursing a bachelor's degree in education.

The University of Houston is teaming up with Houston ISD to create Teach Forward Houston, a fellowship program that offers students free college tuition in exchange for four years teaching at HISD.

"Teach Forward Houston will benefit our communities by bringing highly qualified teachers into the classroom," said Robert McPherson, dean of the UH College of Education. "The students participating in the program will have the opportunity to study in a Tier One institution, receive the top quality training and ongoing support they need to be successful in the classroom and graduate with little-to-no debt."

According to HISD, the program is designed to provide higher education to bright students who can't afford the cost of college.

"This program is going to have far-reaching effects," said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. "Our graduating seniors won't just have the opportunity to get free college tuition. They'll also have the opportunity to come back and make a difference in the lives of countless children across the district."

Up to 100 students are expected to be recruited into the program this fall, and applications are already being accepted.

Interested students fulfill admission requirements for University of Houston and must have good academic record and grade point average, a history of participation in extracurricular activities and service in leadership roles, and a deep desire to give back to their community through education.

Students are also required to apply for federal student aid - more commonly referred to as FAFSA - by March 3.

For more information, visit HISD's website. HoustonISD.org/teachforwardhouston.