Houston, TX January 9, 2006

Project GRAD Houston/Communities In Schools Sponsors
6th Annual College Awareness Week

Parents and students learn the importance of going to college and receive the chance to win scholarships from the Sallie Mae Fund

(Houston, TX) – Thousands of students and family members and over 65 Houston Independent School District partner schools are anticipated to participate in the early college awareness event designed to foster conversations with elementary, middle and high school students and their families about the importance of going to college.

“College Week is one of many early college awareness events Project GRAD sponsors to help build a bridge for students and families who are trying to navigate the unfamiliar path to college,” says Ann Stiles, Senior Director of Academic Programs for Project GRAD Houston. “We try to fully embrace students and families with the idea that they can go to college through hands-on college-related activities that create a college ambiance with the opportunity to meet real-life college students visiting from winter break to speak with students about their experiences.”

Students and parents in the HISD Jeff Davis, Sam Houston, John Reagan, Phillis Wheatley and Jack Yates high school feeder systems will take part in a variety of activities that are designed to increase conversations about all facets of the college decision-making process.  “Early college awareness is a key step to raising aspirations. It helps young students see possibilities in their future and, most important, it helps them understand how to access those opportunities,” says Paula Roe, Director of Parent and Community Engagement for Project GRAD Houston.

This year, The Sallie Mae Fund’s Paying for College Bus Tour will be making a stop at Reagan High School to communicate the benefits of a college education and demonstrate that college is both affordable and accessible for all families. One Reagan High School student will receive a $250 scholarship donated by the Sallie Mae Fund.

Davis High School will also host The Sallie Mae Fund for a district-wide evening opportunity for parents.  Parents who attend are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship for their child.

The mission of Project GRAD is to ensure a quality public education for all children in economically disadvantaged communities by partnering with local school districts. By providing additional funds, learning and teaching tools, mentors and other support, Project GRAD is able help school districts increase the number of students who gradate from high school as well as increase the number of those students who attend and graduate from college. In Houston, Project GRAD partners with 69 HISD schools.