Summertime is often a season for students to get ahead on their studies and ensure that they stay on track to graduate on time. The University of Houston-Downtown is focused not only on helping students succeed this summer but relieving them of additional financial burdens. 

This summer, students can continue their academic journeys at UHD and receive one course at no cost. Financial assistance is available to students to cover one four-hour undergraduate class during one of the Summer 2021 sessions. 

Students can learn how to receive summer financial assistance by visiting UHD’s Scholarships & Financial Aid website. The deadline to apply for one course at no cost is June 11.

“UHD is committed to expanding access and increasing graduation rates,” said Daniel Villanueva, UHD Vice President of Enrollment Management. “To validate our commitment, we’re offering undergraduate students the opportunity to accelerate toward completion by providing state, federal and institutional resources to help them complete one class at no cost for this summer.” 

The summer financial assistance offering one course at no cost complements several other initiatives aimed at supporting UHD’s Gators continue as they continue to confront the ongoing pandemic and other challenges. 

In recent months, UHD has offered students and their families free COVID-19 vaccines through a partnership with Houston Methodist, and soon, the University will partner with HEB for future vaccine events on June 9 and July 7. UHD also routinely hosts Food Fairs in collaboration with the Houston Food Bank by offering free groceries to students. 

Such efforts have supported students both in the classroom and at home by helping them focus on their studies and providing valuable resources such as vaccines and food. Now, the University enhances its efforts by continuing to help students progress academically and ultimately, earn degrees with little to no debt.  

“We believe that if we can engage students throughout the summer, they’ll be more committed to continuing in the fall and making progress toward completion,” Villanueva said. 

UHD is consistently ranked among the most affordable universities in in the state and offers the lowest tuition in Houston. Students at the University also have opportunities to apply for a range of scholarships and financial assistance. This year, the University, in partnership with Univision 45, awarded the very first Tu Futuro scholarship supporting one deserving student by covering up to four years of tuition. Additionally, the University has helped many First Time in College Students realize their academic dreams through the Gator Pledge, which covers four years of tuition for students whose families earn $50,000 or less annually. 

This summer’s one course at no cost financial assistance and other initiatives not only benefit students but support the needs of the city and the state by helping students become knowledgeable professionals ready to contribute to the Texas economy, Villanueva added. 

“UHD is an institution committed to access and our administration’s goal is educating Houstonians and preparing them for the workforce,” he said.