By Gary Collins/managing editor

Beginning this fall, Tarrant County College will offer eligible incoming freshmen up to $4,000 in scholarships through the new Stars of Tomorrow Program.

The scholarship program will be funded with federal and state aid and from the district endowment fund. Income from TCCD gas contracts will supplement state and federal aid.

“Through the leasing of the mineral rights, TCCD expects to earn millions in the future,” Bill Lace, executive assistant to the chancellor, said. “Right now it is impossible to know how much exactly, but we’re confident it will be in the millions.”

The idea, which became the Stars of Tomorrow program, came from Chancellor Leonardo de la Garza, who wanted more high school graduates to have an opportunity to attend college.

“It was something that the chancellor has wanted to do for a long time,” Lace said. “Also with the millions we expect to bring in revenue, we hope to be able to expand this to include all high school graduates not just the top 50 percent.”

Announced in March at a ceremony on South Campus, Stars of Tomorrow will award scholarships to students from public and private high schools. Home-schooled students will also be eligible.

Currently, students considered eligible must be in the top 50 percent of their graduating class and a Tarrant County resident. Other requirements include completed FAFSA and TCC applications and attendance at an advisement/orientation session.