Initiatives

The THSP works to build awareness for the need to ensure that all students graduate ready for college and career success.  The THSP partners support the development of capacity within school districts, education service centers, and other organizations for supporting high school redesign and reform and increasing college preparedness. Through several initiatives, the THSP provides funding in a coordinated fashion to focus on programs with a history of improving graduation and college readiness rates.

New Models

• THSP partners have invested more than $30 million in redesigning existing high schools into small, rigorous, and personalized learning communities. Learn more about the High School Redesign Initiative.
• The project funds partnerships to create Early College High Schools where students can earn college credit while working toward their high school diplomas.  Learn more about the Early College High School Initiative. 
• THSP has committed more than $15 million to help successful charter schools expand and open additional campuses. Learn more about the New and Charter School Initiative.

Educational Leadership

• The Education Leadership initiative identifies school personnel and board members with outstanding potential to participate in intensive leadership training. Learn more about the Education Leadership Initiative.
• The project is expanding Texas’ participation in the Teach for America program, which encourages talented young people to become teachers in underperforming schools.
• Students will gain access to rigorous coursework with the investment of $14 million in teacher training for Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

T-STEM

• T-STEM, the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Initiative, is a $71 million initiative designed to improve instruction and academic performance in science and math related subjects at high schools across Texas. Learn more about the T-STEM Initiative.

• Through T-STEM, high school curriculum will be more closely aligned with the admission requirements of competitive colleges and the qualifications needed to succeed at today’s high-paying jobs. 

Student Programs

• More than $40 million has been awarded to help high schools develop tutoring, counseling, and other intervention programs for students at risk for dropping out.
• The project is working to significantly expand the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which builds study skills and provides tutor support for advanced courses.
• The Dell Scholars program, funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, awards scholarships to low income students – the vast majority of whom are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.