STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University received almost $250,000 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board earmarked as financial support and wage supplements for students who completed community internships during the 2022 spring and summer semesters.
The efforts of faculty members Dr. Tom Tallach and Dr. Laurie Sharp resulted in the awarding of a Work-based Learning Opportunity Grant supported by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. Tarleton was one of only 13 four-year universities in Texas to receive the grant.
“We learned that we had been awarded the grant back in February,” said Dr. Tallach, head of the
Department of Sport Science. “We felt like we needed to hold off on an announcement until the funds actually made it to the students. To celebrate only the acquisition of the grant would be inconsistent with Tarleton’s student-focused mission.”
Dr. Tallach said Dr. Sharp developed processes so efficient that 99.3% of the funds reached 86 students during the program period.
The coordinating board awarded almost $5 million in grant funding to 23 Texas higher education institutions.
“Creating more opportunities for students to gain professional experience and hands-on training is critical to meeting our goals for Building a Talent Strong Texas,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Harrison Keller. “Together, these grants will bolster the talent pipeline and offer meaningful work-based experiences that drive students into competitive careers and increased economic mobility.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.