Signing Ceremony Heralds TJC Promise Scholarship Program

TYLER — As part of Tyler Junior College’s 90th anniversary celebration, college officials have announced the TJC Promise. In a news release, officials describe the effort as a bold new scholarship initiative that will benefit high school students within the college’s tax district.­ The TJC Promise will fund up to two years of college for students who meet the standards of the new program while attending high school.

Friday, TJC President Dr. Mike Metke held an official signing ceremony with school superintendents from TJC’s tax district, including Donni Cook, Chapel Hill ISD; Micah Lewis, Grand Saline ISD; Stan Surratt, Lindale ISD; Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD; Don Dunn, Van ISD; and Cody Mize, Winona ISD. Beginning with the class of 2020, eligible high school graduates from these districts can receive up to two years of tuition and fees at TJC. According to Metke as quoted in the news release, “A student promises to work hard, make good grades, give back back to the community and come directly to TJC following graduation from high school. In return, we promise to provide the opportunity for them to continue their education.”

The TJC Promise was inspired by the the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise, the first promise program of its kind in the state of Texas, which is privately funded by gifts from Citizens 1st Bank, The James I. Perkins Family Foundation, and others. The new program is being developed in partnership with leaders from surrounding school districts. For each high school, the TJC Promise will carry a community-branded name. For example, in Tyler the scholarship will be the Tyler TJC Promise.

Various officials are lauding the new initiative, with the Van ISD’s Dunn calling it “a game changer.” Tom Mullins, president/CEO of the Tyler Economic Development Council, said the economic impact of the TJC Promise will be significant. “If they stay with the program, they will be more likely to continue their education beyond high school and become productive members of our society,” said Mullins according to the release. College officials add that students informed of the new opportunity expressed strong interest.

The TJC Promise is termed a broad partnership with the East Texas community. The college and the TJC Foundation are currently seeking private gifts to establish a $20 million endowment to fund the Promise for the future. An anonymous lead donor has provided a $5 million commitment.