LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Veronica Cantu,

LAREDO, TX– Fifty-two United ISD students completed a course in the new and innovative dual-enrollment program done in conjunction with the University of Texas at Austin. The program, called OnRamps, is designed to help students be more successful in college by exposing them to a rigorous, high-quality, college-level course. The OnRamps Pre-Calculus course, matches an existing course taught at UT Austin, and is designed to prepare students for the kinds of work and ways of thinking expected in college. Students have the opportunity to earn credit from UT Austin through the program extension based on their academic performance.

 “I would like to congratulate the first group of students who participated and completed a course in the UT OnRamps program. I know it took hard work and dedication.” said United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos.

The OnRamps program brings rigorous courses, aligned with the high standards and expectations of The University of Texas at Austin, to thousands of students across Texas. For the high school teachers that instruct the course, OnRamps also provides intensive, year-long professional development and support that improves teaching quality in hundreds of classrooms throughout the state by the best-in-class resources, materials, and instructional strategies.

United ISD Director of Advanced Academics Mario Rosales says that the key benefit of the OnRamps program is the early exposure to postsecondary education.

“The UT OnRamps program is an authentic entry point as the experience provides students with the realistic expectations of college as well as for their families. Plus, earning transferable college credit while in high school accelerates degree completion by reducing the costs and impact of student loans and increasing lifetime earning potential. Indeed, the On-Ramps program teaches students what it takes to succeed in college before they get there.”