Texas A&M Commerce, Collin College to partner with Rockwall ISD

Will Offer College Level Classes At College & Career Academy For High School Students & Adults

(ROCKWALL, TX – October 28, 2015) With voter approval of the College and Career Academy in the November 3rd Rockwall ISD bond referendum, the school district will partner with Texas A&M Commerce and Collin College to offer college level coursework. The partnership was announced during the Board of Trustees meeting on October 19.

During the day there will be opportunities for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs, medical, law, business/industry, and public service programs along with dual credit and college classes offered for high school students. Traditional college students would have evening classes in the new facility.

Dr. Dan Jones, President of Texas A&M Commerce and Dr. Brenda Kihl, Executive Vice President of Collin College spoke at the Board of Trustees meeting and praised the partnership as a seamless pipeline for students to access college credits while still attending high school, providing for an easier transition to college or a career certification. Dr. Kihl said, “Collin College appreciated RISD’s leadership and the opportunity to grow together.”

“The College & Career Academy is a huge step toward making college available and affordable for every student in Rockwall ISD,” said Superintendent Jeff Bailey. “Our partnership with both Texas A&M Commerce and Collin College will provide our students more advantages when entering college and help adult college students with access to a top-notch facility without leaving the city. And, the career certifications that will be offered will help our students who want to enter the workforce right out of high school.”

The mission of Rockwall ISD, a diverse and unified community embracing endless learning possibilities, is to inspire and develop the unique abilities of our children to become passionate learners, extraordinary citizens and authentic leaders of the 21st century by cultivating an engaging learning environment based on high standards and expectations in a culture of kindness and compassion.

The Rockwall ISD administration is available to answer any questions about the bond referendum. To arrange an interview or schedule an informative presentation for local clubs or organizations, please contact Renae Murphy at 972-771-0605.

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