The College Board has recognized 203 students from United ISD.
Achievement demonstrates the dedication to academic quality and diversity in education.
The College Board's renowned 2024–25 National Recognition has been given to 203 high school students, marking a tremendous accomplishment for the United Independent School District (United ISD). This distinction gives first-generation, Indigenous, African American/Black, and Hispanic/Latino kids who excel academically a big boost in their academic pursuits.
This year, more than 180,000 students from all 50 states were eligible to apply for the fifth-year National Recognition Program. Ninety thousand of these students received honors, demonstrating a dedication to educational diversity and assistance for marginalized groups.
Students had to fulfill certain requirements depending on their academic achievement in order to be eligible for this prestigious honor. For their award program, juniors had to place in the top 10% of their state's PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers or receive a 3+ on at least two different Advanced Placement (AP) exams at the conclusion of the tenth grade. In addition, they had to identify as members of one of the designated underrepresented groups and maintain a GPA of 3.3 (87-89%) or above.
Similar qualification measures applied to sophomores, with the PSAT and AP exam requirements changing depending on the testing year. These exacting standards guarantee that the prize honors students who have demonstrated distinction and dedication to their studies throughout their high school years.
"On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate these great high school students for going above and beyond their academic efforts," said Mario Rosales, the Director of Advanced Academics for United ISD, in reflection of these accomplishments. We hope they continue to be successful in the future and serve as educational role models for their peers. His remarks perfectly capture the district's delight in the achievements of its kids.
The National acknowledgment Programs were created to address systemic obstacles that historically underrepresented students encounter when pursuing higher education, in addition to providing acknowledgment. "The National Recognition Programs were developed to take a practical step toward tackling the systemic hurdles to higher education experienced by underrepresented students," said Arielle Ford, Director of Strategic Engagement and Programs at the College Board. This closely relates to the College Board's overarching goal of improving equity and access in higher education.
These award programs have their roots in the National Hispanic award Program, which was established forty years ago with the express goal of expanding opportunities for Latino children who are academically competitive. The College Board expanded the program's scope in 2019 by adding African American Recognition, Indigenous Recognition, and Rural/Small Town Recognition in response to the inaugural program's popularity. This expansion is in line with continuous initiatives to foster opportunity and inclusivity in educational settings.
"This work is about connecting kids with higher education institutions," Ford stressed. Additionally, it is about raising awareness and introducing students to institutions they might not have otherwise known about. Underrepresented students should be able to access higher education through these programs, and recipients should be encouraged to consider a wide range of educational opportunities. The success of such programs depends critically on this dedication to improving students' post-secondary pathways.
Additionally, recipients who want to participate in the Student Search Service will get tailored outreach from institutions. Through this program, universities can find the recipients of the awards and contact them with information about scholarships and college applications that fit their needs. According to the system, this can greatly increase students' chances of being accepted into institutions and receiving financial aid for their studies.
The United ISD students who received recognition through the National Recognition Program come from a variety of high schools, with a sizable portion of the recipients coming from Alexander High School. Each honoree is a shining example of academic achievement and reflects the diversity of the district's student body. United High School, United South High School, and L.B. Johnson High School are other noteworthy high schools.
The honoring of these students is a monument to the diligence and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their academic careers, as United ISD continues to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes academic success. In addition to being a happy moment for the children and their families, the accolade strengthens United ISD's standing as a school dedicated to equal opportunity and high-quality instruction.
