Valentine’s Day found President Loren J. Blanchard and UHD’s Enrollment Management team, led by Vice President Dr. Daniel Villanueva, at Channelview High School as part of the Seal Your Success: UHD in 2023 Campaign.

Considering the date of the campaign’s launch, it could be considered a labor of love—after all, UHD’s leadership is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds in attending college and is especially focused on first-generation students and those from underserved communities.

Aimed at expanding access to and enrollment at the University, the Seal Your Success Campaign includes visits to 12 high schools over the next two months, letting juniors and seniors know that an education at UHD is accessible, achievable, and affordable. The campaign highlights the University’s financial and academic resources available to students as they earn their degree.

In addition to Channelview High School, UHD representatives are visiting Eisenhower, MacArthur, Milby (shown below), Northbrook, Northside, and Carl Wunsche Sr. high schools; YES Prep Fifth Ward, Northbrook, and Southwest; KIPP Northeast; and Spring Early College Academy.

“I am visiting with seniors at Houston-area high schools because I want them to know that UHD cares about their future,” stated Blanchard. “As the first in my family to attend college, I understand the barriers,” he continued. “Now as president of what I hope will be the university of choice for many Houstonians, I am passionate about Student Success. I fervently believe that with persistence and support, these students can change the trajectories of their lives by graduating with degrees of value and becoming leaders in their communities and professions.”

During the visits, students hear how UHD will assist with the transition from high school to college life. They learn about UHD’s programming around student success, retention, and graduation—support systems designed to ensure that if a student starts a degree at UHD, they can complete it. They learn about peer mentoring, UHD’s commitment to assisting with basic needs, including mental health support, and the Food for Change Market, among other resources. The message to the high school students is that UHD will help coordinate whatever services students need to make their education a priority.

"We enjoy connecting with students at these high schools and sharing all that UHD has to offer," said Kristina Raymond, Interim Director of Admissions and Recruitment. "We believe that a degree from UHD can open doors and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers and in life. Above all else, completing a university degree provides options for the future."

Admitted UHD students are celebrated and entered in a drawing to win a $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2023 semester. “I know how important paying for college is, and UHD is committed to ensuring that interested students have additional funding for Fall 2023,” said Villanueva. “I'm excited to share my own experiences and the many opportunities available at UHD with students at these high schools.”

Most of all, the team is demonstrating at each school the level of care UHD faculty and staff have for our students. And that goes a long way in sealing success for high schoolers interested in UHD! 

Photo credit for Channelview High School sign: http://channelview.houstonclassmates.com/

Watch a video of the visit to Channelview on Instagram, courtesy of UHD’s Social Gators!