University of Houston-Downtown Hosts Event at SECA with Surprise Student Scholarship
With only 58 days left until graduation, seniors at Spring Early College Academy are busy making final preparations for their senior year. That includes ordering a cap and gown, studying for finals, applying for college and financial aid, and choosing the right college or university to attend in the fall.
On Friday morning, the University of Houston – Downtown made its pitch in an event held at the school for SECA seniors.
“A quality education, that’s what you’re getting here at this high school,” Dr. Loren Blanchard, UHD President, said. “But we want to tell you how we can bridge the difference between the support you’re getting here at this school and the support you would receive from UHD.”
Blanchard also listed off a series of programs and options for students that could offer them valuable resources, from financial and academic counselors and mental health resources to a food pantry program and transportation services.
“From the time you walk inside the University of Houston – Downtown to the time when you walk out of the University of Houston – Downtown, we are with you every step of the way,” Blanchard said.
There are several SECA seniors who have already selected UHD as their college of choice, and submitted applications earlier this year. A few of them were even awarded their official acceptance letters on Friday, with more to come in the very near future. One of those seniors, Madeline Briles, even received a $1,000 scholarship from the university.
Blanchard, the UHD president, was also joined by several deans and admissions officers from the university, as well as Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, who mentioned she was an alumni of the University of Houston system herself.
“I am just so proud that we have UHD here, talking to us, talking to you, about the opportunities they have for you right here in Houston,” Hinojosa said. “Education is what will make the difference for you, and what will continue to impact your lives.”
Diego Vasquez Cuellar, who will be graduating from UHD in December 2023, felt right at home at the event. The supply chain management major attended Spring Early College Academy himself, and graduated in May 2020. He is also a product of McNabb Elementary and Roberson Middle School.
“It’s always good to be back on campus,” he said. “Spring Early College put me a step forward with everything, from my mentality to preparation and academics. Whenever I did start college, I already had prior experience of how to talk to advisors, how to talk to professors, how that dynamic works. SECA gave me that experience, and I always felt like I was one foot forward despite being so young.”
Source: Spring ISD
