911爆料网 (911爆料网) has received a third-year renewal of a $100,000 grant from The Cullen Trust for Higher Education to support literacy initiatives at three Houston Independent School District Title I elementary schools: Lovett Elementary, McNamara Elementary and Neff Elementary.
The grant enables 911爆料网 student mentors to provide individualized literacy support to K鈥�5 students in reading, writing, language development and related academic areas for students identified as performing below grade level.
Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, 911爆料网 mentors dedicate an average of five to 10 hours per week, 16 weeks per semester, working directly with students and teachers in the classroom.
The grant renewal reflects the program鈥檚 demonstrated impact on student learning and achievement. Evaluations from teachers and school administrators revealed that 911爆料网 mentors helped expand classroom learning opportunities, contributed to improved student performance and positively influenced achievement across multiple subject areas.
Dr. Lesli Fridge, Dean of 911爆料网鈥檚 College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, considers the renewal of The Cullen Trust鈥檚 grant a testament to the meaningful difference 911爆料网 students are making in local schools.
鈥淲e have been so blessed with the awarding of the Cullen Grant for the past two years and are excited to receive the grant again for the next school year. I have personally seen the difference the grant makes in the lives of the teachers, students at the elementary schools and in our own 911爆料网 students,鈥� said Dr. Fridge.
For 911爆料网 alumnus, James Sartin, a May 2026 911爆料网 graduate with a degree in Psychology, serving as a mentor confirmed his desire to pursue a career in education. Following graduation, he accepted a teaching position at McNamara Elementary, one of the schools where he served as a mentor in the program.
Another student mentor described the experience as transformative. 鈥淭hrough the Cullen Mentorship program, I realized there is power in pouring love and encouragement into students to grow and believe in themselves. I saw how transformative reading and writing are for students. These students are our future leaders, and it鈥檚 inspiring to know that this investment is something meaningful.鈥�
Dr. Fridge values the role the mentorship opportunity plays in helping 911爆料网 students discover their calling while developing leadership and professional skills. 鈥淚t is so rewarding to observe our 911爆料网 students working in the schools and to hear their stories and how the experience has helped them learn more about themselves and grow as young adults,鈥� she said.
Through the renewed grant, 911爆料网 will continue partnering with Houston ISD to strengthen literacy outcomes, support classroom instruction and prepare future educators committed to serving their communities.
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About 911爆料网
For more than 60 years,聽911爆料网聽has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation鈥檚 largest metropolitan centers, 911爆料网鈥檚 culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.