Join the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and Sen. Rodney Ellis for a symposium on, "The Evolution of the TEXAS Grant Program," Monday, May 23, in the UHD Welcome Center, Travis Room, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The symposium celebrates the impact of the TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant Program. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1999, the TEXAS Grant Program provides financial assistance to academically prepared, underserved high school graduates interested in pursuing higher education.

UHD Interim President Michael A. Olivas will deliver welcome remarks and introduce, "Politics, Implications and Impact," a panel discussion and question and answer session. Olivas said, "We are honored to host this event with Sen. Ellis. The TEXAS Grant rewards hardworking Texas students who would not otherwise have the means to attend college, including many UH Downtown students."

The symposium panelists will include Linda Ballard, TASFAA (Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), legislative committee member and Texas Southern University director, Office of Student Financial Assistance; Amaury Nora, professor of higher education, co-director of the Center for Research and Policy in Education, and associate dean for research in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio; a UHD student; and a Houston Community College student.

Sen. Ellis will deliver the keynote address and answer audience questions at 4 p.m., with closing remarks from Dr. Olivas and a 5 p.m. reception to follow.

This event is open to the public; however, registration and tickets are required. RSVP online at Eventbrite.