San Jac, Rice University enter into Take Flight Scholars agreement
PASADENA, Texas – Today, San Jacinto College and Rice University entered into an agreement for the Take Flight Scholars Program, an initiative that aims to expand access to high-impact academic, research and transfer-readiness opportunities for honors students.
“This agreement supports a clear pathway from associate degree completion to successful transfer for many of our honors program students,” said Dr. Alexander Okwonna, San Jacinto College North Campus Provost and Incoming Deputy Chancellor and College President. “Through the Take Flight Scholars Program, more students will have expanded access to transformative academic experiences to continue their education at one of the nation’s leading universities. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for our students and graduates to ensure they are equipped to succeed at every stage of their educational journey.”
The Take Flight Scholars Program is open to honors students studying in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), business, arts and humanities, and social sciences. The program goals include creating and supporting learning opportunities for students to develop and deepen interest in their chosen academic area of study. It is also designed to empower students to complete their associate degree and then transfer.
Students who participate in the program will have the opportunity to attend events and connect with current Rice University students; participate in enriching summer research and project-based experiences, including paid summer research opportunities; receive mentorship from faculty, graduate students and current Rice students; and will be prepared to transfer. Students who transfer from San Jacinto College to Rice University are guaranteed to receive Rice course equivalent credit for a set of core courses.
Currently, there are 72 San Jacinto College honors students participating in the Take Flight program. One student stated, “As someone who did not grow up around people who attended four-year universities, a program like the Take Flight Scholars partnership represents not only an opportunity, but a bridge connecting where I come from to the future I am determined to build.”
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
