Opinion-BISD spends gas money wisely

As senioritis sets in for high schoolers preparing to graduate, many hope to receive money, dorm room necessities or maybe even a laptop for college. It’s not likely they are expecting to receive a full year of college tuition paid for by their high school.

But that’s exactly what members of Birdville ISD’s board are offering to each and every qualifying student graduating from Birdville, Haltom or Richland High School this May, a scholarship to receive one year of tuition at any TCC campus.

At a recent signing between Birdville ISD and Tarrant County College, officials of the two schools made it clear where their priorities lie — continued education is of the utmost importance for success in today’s society. TCC’s partnership with BISD shows the two schools’ willingness to do what it takes to help students succeed.

More than 1,000 BISD students are expected to graduate this semester alone. The scholarship program has set aside $7 million, funded by BISD’s oil and gas royalties, into an endowment fund that will provide graduating seniors continued growth opportunities for years to come.

The funds will be overseen by the TCC Foundation, which is dedicated to raising and managing funds to support students and programs at TCC.

According to research by U.S. News and World Report, while a bachelor’s degree doesn’t guarantee success, it is usually needed to get a good job, a raise, a promotion or employer-provided health insurance.

What better gift can a school give than to impact the lives of its students for years to come by offering them a chance to do something they might not otherwise be able to do?

Many students are fortunate enough to earn scholarships to help with the rising costs of college. But the average student is applying for grants and scholarships and filling out FAFSA forms hoping to receive some type of financial aid to help make their dream of higher education a reality. 

While students whose college finances have already been secured are busy wrapping up their college plans, others don’t even see college as an option. The money simply isn’t there.

Paying for college can be daunting and seems overwhelming to many. This opportunity opens a door to the future for many who might otherwise be facing a future of dead-end or minimum-wage jobs.

With college tuition costs continuing to rise steadily and polls showing tuition as the biggest hurdle to higher education, more school districts should follow BISD’s lead.

TCC students can and should be proud of their administration and their school for partnering with BISD. And they should be proud that Birdville chose TCC to entrust for their future betterment.