Free information sessions for parents and students interested in earning high school and college credit simultaneously at the Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies on the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) campus have been scheduled.
Dr. Alfredo Ramírez Jr., director and superintendent of the Staggs Academy, said the sessions serve to provide a one-stop opportunity for students and their parents to learn about the remarkable opportunities the Academy makes real.
“We’re an innovative, University-level academy for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors, and we offer a high school experience like no other with instruction by the University’s gifted faculty on the TAMIU campus. We like to say we help our Academy students reach their futures, faster. These sessions are designed to help students and their families learn about their options here,” Dr. Ramírez said.
The remaining Open House Sessions will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, and Wednesday, March 22. All sessions will be at 6 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC), room 111 on the ground floor. Additional information is online at https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/theacademy or available by phone at 956.326.2860.
Information will be available in English or Spanish.
A session was also held Jan. 24.
Ramírez said the Staggs Scholar Guarantee provides parents with the strongest incentive to consider the Academy.
“For those eligible, admitted students, the Staggs Scholar Guarantee provides that the full cost of attendance is covered, including tuition, fees, and books. Each Staggs Scholar saves approximately $20,000 and can earn 30 semester credit hours per year/ 60 semester credit hours by high school graduation, bringing their future closer, much faster. Study abroad opportunities are also available,” he said.
The Academy has streamlined its eligibility requirements and offers automatic admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Holistic review of candidates’ applications is also available.
Eligibility is as follows: be a Texas Resident; attempt TSIA in Reading/Writing and Math by March 31; be a 10th-grade high school student with at least 13 credits towards the Texas high school graduation plan, and have a minimum high school GPA of 85 or 3.0.
Enabled by legislation authored by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and approved by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005, the Academy highlights TAMIU’s position as a catalyst of change that has empowered thousands of graduates from around the world to realize their infinite possibilities for over 50 years.
The Academy’s name honors its namesakes, the late Julieta and Frank M. Staggs, longtime educators and champions of higher education whose support for the Staggs Academy was constant, heartfelt, and meaningful.
For more information, contact the Staggs Academy at 956.326.2860, email academy@tamiu.edu, or click on https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/theacademy
Follow @staggsacademy on Instagram and Facebook.
