Fort Worth ISD, UT-Arlington announce partnership to open early college pathway

The program guarantees qualifying Fort Worth ISD students admission to UT-Arlington as early as the end of their junior year.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Fort Worth ISD and The University of Texas at Arlington announced the launch of a new initiative Friday, which can give Fort Worth ISD students early admission offers to the school.

The new initiative, “Direct to UTA: College Ready Career Bound,” guarantees qualifying students admission to UTA as early as the end of their junior year.

The program is designed to expand college access and promote educational equity, as well as strengthen pathways to higher education for FWISD students, the school says. 

“Our agreement with Fort Worth ISD is simple but powerful: If students do the hard work, we will make sure UTA’s doors are open to them,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “Guaranteed admission means opportunity that Fort Worth’s top students can count on — especially for first-generation students who might not always see themselves on a college campus.”

The university says it will automatically create applications and extend early admissions offers for eligible students. Those who accept the offers will also be considered for scholarships and receive support, such as financial aid workshops and after-school programming. 

To qualify for direct admission, students must have at least a 3.25 unweighted GPA or rank in the top 25% of their class. Those with a 3.5 GPA or rank in the top 10% will receive automatic consideration into the Honors College as well.

The university says it will also provide a dedicated liaison to support students and families, as well as peer mentoring, presentations and admission review events for students who don’t initially meet direct admission criteria.

“The Direct to UTA program was made possible by the dedication of FWISD and UTA leadership to increase college access for more students,” Associate Vice President for University Admissions Kara Hadley-Shakya said in a statement. “Today’s signing launches an initiative to expand college access and strengthen the pathway from high school to higher education for Fort Worth students.” 

This initiative is designed to expand and include more districts across DFW, the university said.

“What is happening here today is a game-changer for our entire metroplex,” FWISD Superintendent Karen Molinar said. “Not just Arlington, not just Fort Worth, but our entire metroplex, because we are going to build a career-minded focus for our students.”