The TBI is a dual enrollment program at Temple College, through which high school students take college courses for credit. The students can begin taking classes their junior year, allowing them the opportunity to graduate with an associate degree before they complete high school.
“This is really exciting,” said Shelby Morris, 17, a junior at Holy Trinity Catholic High School. “This is going to be my first year in the program, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what taking a college course is like.”
Morris said that she would be taking a biology class through the institute. TBI’s curriculum concentrates on math, science and technology with an emphasis on biotechnology.
“My mom’s really excited,” said Morris. “I think she wants me to experience college before I decide on what I want to do.”
Most of the courses the students take are introductory courses, which are required as prerequisites at many higher learning institutions. Students who participate in TBI are required to complete six hours of job shadowing or community service.
About 150 students from 12 Central Texas high schools will participated in Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I’m excited to be involved in the program again,” said David Del Rosario, 17, a senior at Ellison High School in Killeen. “I think the fact that I can graduate with a degree before I’m done with high school is really cool.”
Del Rosario said that his parents were happy with his decision to continue in the TBI.
“They know that I have plans to become a doctor, so they’re pretty happy with the decision,” said Del Rosario. “It gives me the ability to knock some core classes out of the way.”
Newly appointed TC President Glenda Barron spoke at the beginning of the ceremony.
“I’m delighted by this response,” said Barron. “You can tell that (TBI) is a real important tool, and becoming a part of it is a very important step in the lives of these students.”
Dr. Walter P. Dyck, who currently serves as senior adviser to the Temple Health and Bioscience Economic Development District and is professor at Texas A&M Health Science Center, was the ceremony’s guest speaker.
“The TBI facility has been the envy of not only people in (Texas), but of educators across the country,” said Dyck. “It provides an excellent opportunity for students to achieve their goals.”
Dyck told the crowd that the study of bioscience is at the “most exciting time in history,” saying that everyday new discoveries are made through the research of doctors and scientists.
Dyck also asked students participating in the TBI to raise their hands if they knew what they were planning on doing for a living 10 years from now, and an overwhelming majority raised their hands.
“That’s truly impressive,” said Dyck. “Education must truly be a lifelong experience.”
In May, nine students received associate degrees through TC before participating in their high school graduation ceremonies.
A TC representative said that the college planned on 320 audience members attending the cerermony. Before the ceremony started, it became clear that more attended, as several had to sit among the students receiving their coats.
Public school districts that participate in the program are Belton, Temple, Killeen, Gatesville, Holland, Salado, Troy, Rogers and Academy. Private schools participating are Central Texas Christian School and Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Temple.
dfearson@temple-telegram.com
