PEP (Partner, Engage, Prepare) Project

On Friday, November 15, 2013, Texas A&M University-Texarkana hosted a media event to unveil the PEP (Partner, Engage, Prepare) Project, a program sponsored by the university that establishes a partnership with area high schools to identify sophomores, juniors and seniors and encourage them through an engagement and college preparation program to insure their successful transition to an institution of higher education.  Superintendents Mr. Paul Norton with Texarkana, Texas ISD, Mrs. Becky Kesler with Texarkana, Arkansas ISD, Dr. Todd Williams with Pleasant Grove ISD, and Mr. Ben Carson with Liberty-Eylau ISD were all in attendance, as well as students from each of these schools with their program mentors.  
 
The PEP program is based on the Kids at Hope basic principle that ALL children are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS.  In order to achieve this success, children must have meaningful and sustainable relationships with caring adults and must be able to articulate a vision for their future.  The PEP program is designed to identify those students who need additional support to define their vision.  These students want to attend college, but they lack the resources and tools to get there on their own.  With support of the Pioneer Foundation Grant, the PEP program at Texas High School, Arkansas High School, Pleasant Grove High School and Liberty Eylau High School will have the ability to help these children achieve their goals and impact the lives of the these students for many years to come.
 
Texas A&M University-Texarkana and its staff are committed to college success.  Ensuring area high school students have every opportunity and access to higher education is part of our mission.  PEP Project funds will enable the university to commit time and resources to at-risk individuals who might not otherwise think college is an option.  The university will commit in-kind resources of space, equipment and materials as they apply to the activities of PEP Project.