High Students are Writing Their Way Into College

Rio Grande Valley high school students are writing their scholarship application essays during the GEAR UP Essay Boot Camp developed by college essay-writing expert Janine Robinson at Region One ESC.

"The best kind of problems to write about are obstacles, said Robinson. "They are looking for examples of grit and how you overcome those challenges."

The Texas Graduate Center and Region One GEAR UP identified the need to develop high school students' ability to write college application essays as well as training opportunities for English teachers; which led to the development of a Teacher's Guide for use the in the classroom.

The Texas Graduate Center discovered Janine Robinson through her online blog: essayhell.com. The blog features examples, tips and strategies for students who are struggling to write their college or scholarship application essays.

School districts in attendance:

Rio Hondo ISD

Lyford CISD

San Benito CISD

Brownsville ISD

La Joya ISD

Point Isabel ISD

Edcouch-Elsa ISD

Monte Alto ISD

Mission CISD

McAllen ISD

Weslaco ISD