Access to Success

What is it?

Access to Success is a scholarship program for educational aides.

How do I qualify?

Access to Success provides scholarships (based on availability of local funding) for tuition, books, travel and childcare to educational aides according to standards aligned with those of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Certified Educational Aide Exemption, which provides money for college tuition and mandatory fees.

Certified Educational Aide Exemption applicants* must:

  • be Texas residents;
  • have applied for financial aid;
  • demonstrate financial need;
  • be school employees serving in any capacity;
  • have worked as Educational Aides in a Texas public school for at least one school year within the five years preceding the term or semester for which the exemption is received or have accrued at least 180 days experience as substitute teachers within the past five years;
  • be enrolled in courses required for teacher certification at the institution of higher education granting the exemption; and
  • meet satisfactory academic progress requirements for their college or university.

Click here for more information about the state program.

What if I don't qualify for the state program?

The state program is based on financial need, however Access to Success allows an adjusted gross income of twenty percent more than the state guidelines. Those who do not qualify for the state program may qualify to receive Access to Success scholarships to pay for tuition as well as books, education-related travel, and childcare. Access to Success scholarships are subject to availability of local funds.

Why should I apply for Access to Success if I am getting funds from the state program?

The state program only pays for tuition and mandatory fees. Access to Success may help qualified students pay for other education-related expenses based on availability of funds.

Click here for the Access to Success Policy Manual.

Who do I call?

Carol Klages, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor
(361) 570-4284