Created to motivate and assist Beeville Independent School District high school students in receiving post-secondary educations.
The Joe Barnhart Scholarship Program at A.C. Jones High School
Created to motivate and assist Beeville Independent School District high school students in receiving post-secondary educations, the Joe Barnhart Scholarship Program has benefited 1,650 students since the program began in 1998. The program is unique in two ways: the collaboration between a public school and a private foundation - and the one-on-one relationship of each student with a volunteer mentor. Over 50 volunteers work with students to counsel, encourage and assist students individually in completing paperwork necessary for obtaining college admission and financial aid. Currently the program Director has acquired $20 million in financial aid for the students of Beeville. In addition, the Foundation provides financial assistance for some students. Since the program began, Beeville school officials have noted a rise in the number of students taking college entrance exams and a decline in the student dropout rate.
In 2008 the Program was expanded to include high school freshmen by focusing on aptitude testing and exploration of students' interests and possibilities.
