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The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) is an early entrance college residential honors program at Lamar University.

“The academy is one of two such programs created by the Texas State Legislature,” said Scott Stevenson, assistant director of the academy. Established in 1994, the program gives high school-aged juniors and seniors the opportunity to accumulate 60 or more hours of college credit by graduation.

All students accepted into the unique program receive full-tuition scholarships for up to 15 credit hours per semester and get to live on campus, as any other college student.

To be admitted into the Academy, applicants apply as high school sophomores and must meet specific requirements, including a score of at least 1,000 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with no less than 500 on the critical reading and math sections of the test. TALH is a highly selective program for students eager for an enriched intellectual experience, enhanced by programs in the humanities and leadership development.

Stevenson believes the social and cultural nourishment the students receive may be part of the reason they display such success after graduation. In its capacity as a special-purpose school district, the Academy has been authorized to confer its own diploma.

TALH students have the opportunity to pursue the ideals of academic excellence, ethical leadership and community service within the context of a rigorous university setting, far beyond that of a high school education. Students are given the opportunity to pursue research that only a university experience can provide.

“We are fully integrated into the student population at Lamar,” said Ryan Huff, current TALH student and co-president. “Attending this academy was one of the best decisions I have made in my academic career.”

TALH uses the humanities to help create better citizens who are aware of the world around them, can think critically about their situations and work actively to better their environment.

Tyler Doiron, now a full-time college student and Mirabeau Scholar at Lamar University, with a double major in electrical engineering and mathematics, affirms that she would definitely recommend TALH to other students that are looking for a fulfilling enriched academic experience.

Because of the extraordinary opportunities offered to them, TALH students are expected to be fully engaged in all aspects of the program. Recently, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized second-year students Amber Randolph and Dane Hall, as National Merit Semifinalists, for their performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

“One of the tenets of TALH is academia. To earn recognition as a semifinalist by the National Merit Corporation is an honor for our students and we are quite pleased with their achievement,” stated Ted Stuberfield, director of the Academy. “This recognition is indeed a reflection of student erudition as evident among our program scholars and the outstanding learning community of Lamar University. “

On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Academy will host a fall preview day at the Mary and John Gray Library on the campus of Lamar University.

“Our preview day is a fantastic opportunity for parents and interested students to learn more about our program and hear first hand from students the benefits of an early college education,” expressed Stuberfield. “We are extremely delighted to provide a venue in which gifted students can explore the possibilities of their educational careers and plan for future collegiate, career, and human development.”

For more information about the program, visit www.texasacademy.org or call (409) 839-2995.