United Independent School District (United ISD) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as 203 high school students have been awarded the prestigious 2024-25 National Recognition from the College Board. This recognition honors academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino, African American/Black, first-generation, and Indigenous students, providing them with a significant boost in their academic endeavors.
The National Recognition Program, which is in its fifth year, saw over 180,000 students from all 50 states eligible to apply this year. Out of these, 90,000 students earned honors, highlighting a commitment to diversity in education and support for underrepresented demographics.
To qualify for this esteemed recognition, students had to meet specific criteria based on their academic excellence. For juniors, the requirements included being in the top 10% of PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers in their state for their award program or achieving a 3+ score on at least two distinct Advanced Placement (AP) Exams by the end of 10th grade. Furthermore, they needed to maintain a GPA of 3.3 (87-89%) or higher, and identify as one of the specified underrepresented groups.
Sophomores faced similar qualification metrics, with the requirement adjustments in terms of the testing years for the PSAT and AP Exams. These stringent criteria ensure that the award recognizes students who have shown academic commitment and excellence during their high school careers.
Reflecting on these achievements, Mario Rosales, the United ISD Director of Advanced Academics, stated, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate these exceptional high school students for going above and beyond their academic pursuits. May they continue to be educational role models for their peers, and we wish them continued success in the future.” His words encapsulate the pride felt within the school district regarding their students’ accomplishments.
The National Recognition Programs were not merely established for recognition but to tackle systemic barriers that historically underrepresented students face when pursuing higher education. As Arielle Ford, Director of Strategic Engagement and Programs at the College Board, remarked, “The National Recognition Programs were created to take a tangible step toward addressing the systemic barriers to higher education faced by underrepresented students.” This speaks directly to the underlying mission of the College Board to enhance access and equity in higher education.
The origin of these recognition initiatives dates back 40 years to the National Hispanic Recognition Program, aimed specifically at increasing opportunities for academically competitive Latino students. The success of the initial program led the College Board to broaden its scope in 2019, adding African American Recognition, Indigenous Recognition, and Rural/Small Town Recognition. This expansion aligns with ongoing efforts to cultivate inclusivity and opportunity in academic environments.
Ford emphasized, “This work is about building connections between students and higher ed institutions. It’s also about growing awareness and exposing students to schools that they may not have otherwise been aware of. We want these programs to create pathways to college for underrepresented students and we want awardees to explore a diverse set of college options.” This commitment to enhancing students’ post-secondary pathways is paramount to the success of such programs.
Furthermore, awardees will benefit from personalized outreach from colleges if they opt into the Student Search Service. This initiative allows higher education institutions to identify award winners and engage them with tailored communication about college applications and scholarships suited to their qualifications. As stated in the system, this can significantly improve the chances of students gaining admission to colleges and accessing financial assistance for their education.
The students from United ISD who were honored as part of the National Recognition Program hail from several high schools, with Alexander High School accounting for a significant number of awardees. Each recipient exemplifies academic excellence and represents the diverse fabric of the district’s student population. Other notable high schools include L.B. Johnson High School, United High School, and United South High School.
As United ISD continues to foster an environment that encourages scholastic achievement, the recognition of these students serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication they have exhibited throughout their educational journeys. The honor not only marks a proud moment for the students and their families but also enhances the reputation of United ISD as an institution committed to providing high-quality education and equal opportunities.
