News Briefs

The Dual Language Scholar Award was given to Rosemont International Language Preparatory School students who completed the Secondary Dual Language Program at a special ceremony on June 1. The students were recognized for completing rigorous academic courses in both English and Spanish for three consecutive years. They now have the opportunity to continue the Dual Language Program in high school. Upon successfully completing the high school Dual Language program, they will earn the Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas, which denotes students who attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. “Four years ago, we began implementing the Dual Language…

Joel Luera, a recent graduate from W.W. Samuell Early College High School, is heading to college with an associate degree he earned while in high school. Luera is an excellent debater who is headed to the University of Texas in the fall. KERA has profiled Luera as part of its American Graduate series. Go here to see the full story from KERA. Photo courtesy KERA

A student at Dallas ISD’s School of Science and Engineering (SEM) is offering a free three-day computer science workshop for girls in grades 6-8. Saumya Rawat’s “IT Empowerment for Her” workshop is designed to introduce middle school girls from historically underrepresented areas to the profession. Participants will learn how to use MIT App Inventor, meet student and professional mentors and learn about STEM careers. The program is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25-27 at the University of Texas at Dallas and would like to draw at least 40 participants. The workshop is Rawat’s “passion project,” a requirement for seniors…

Thanks to employee donations and strong corporate and educational partnerships, the Stars on the Rise scholarship program raised $2.39 million to distribute to deserving area high school graduates. Rick Ortiz, president/CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC), said that in the 34 years of the program, 4,100 students have benefited from $34.5 million in scholarships. “Most of the scholars come from here. This has been a longstanding partnership that we’re very proud of,” Ortiz said of Dallas ISD. “We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors and donors.” Don Pérez. chairman of the GDHCC board, said that the numbers…