REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN

PRESS OFFICE

Tx DOT's Conditional Grant Program

Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Students

by Representative Ryan Guillén

AUSTIN, TX -- This week I want to help inform students and parents of one of the many opportunities the state of Texas offers for higher education. The Texas Department of Transportation provides a conditional grant program which helps citizens of Texas earn a college education.

We have contacted principals and counselors from local high schools in South Texas to provide all the necessary information on this great opportunity. We also contacted Ruben Longoria at the Texas Association of School Boards to help us inform as many students as possible about this great program. I encourage as many of my constituents as possible to apply for this useful program.

In 1991 the Legislature recognized the importance of a diverse workforce to the future success of our state, so they created the Texas Department of Transportation's Conditional Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible college students.

This program is open to students who are economically disadvantaged and interested in pursuing a college degree in civil engineering, computer science, management information systems or computer information systems.

Highest priority is given to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need and who are the first generation in the family to attend college. Grant amounts include the total certified tuition and fees per semester, plus a stipend based upon the student's other needs, up to $3,000 per semester.

Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA or better, carry and pass a minimum 12-credit hour academic work load, and work for the department for two years upon graduation.  

Since the program was established, it has provided financial assistance to approximately 328 students. Forty-two students are currently participating in the program.

The deadline for application to this grant program is March 1, 2008. All information can be found on Texas Department of Transportation website at: www.txdot.gov/careers/recruitment/conditional.htm or by calling (866)554-4330.

I encourage any student who meets these requirements and aspirations to apply as quickly as possible through their school officials or on the TXDOT website. As always I will be more than happy to help students with the application process.