In the last three years, UHD has signed agreements with three local school districts, each focused on streamlining admissions, meeting students’ needs, and/or creating early college pathways to UHD. On February 17, a groundbreaking agreement between the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) made history as UHD’s first partnership that guarantees admission to all eligible high school seniors across an entire school district.
President Loren Blanchard said the Guaranteed Admission Program communicates a message to HISD’s eligible high school seniors as they contemplate whether to enroll in a four-year university, opt for a two-year college, or forgo a higher education altogether. “Many students who think they need community college to begin the higher education journey could succeed at UHD immediately after high school,” he said. Addressing students who may not yet see college as an option, he added, “To those eligible Houston ISD seniors who think college is for others, we want them to know that we see their potential and their promise.” President Blanchard highlighted UHD’s personalized academic coaching, holistic student services, and expert faculty in his remarks. UHD student Bethany Esparza echoed Dr. Blanchard’s praise. “Classes tend to be smaller, allowing a strong connection between students and professors,” she said. “The professors at UHD really want each and every student to succeed, and they all make that very clear the second you enter a lecture.”
Through the Guaranteed Admission Program, every graduating HISD senior who meets eligibility requirements, whether a 4.0 GPA or a 2.5 GPA, will receive an invitation to apply to UHD with guaranteed admission. That admission remains in effect as long as the student maintains the minimum GPA. “In the spirit of removing barriers, the application fee will be waived for students who participate in the program,” Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Long Huynh said. HISD board member Paula Mendoza offered a personal reflection rooted in her experience as a UHD alumna and the parent of an alumnus. “As a parent, I am proud that my son graduated from UHD in 1995 as well and went on to receive his master’s from Rice. And I can only imagine what it would be like for students and parents to know that they have a guaranteed spot at one of the greatest universities in our beloved city. That kind of certainty changes lives. It opens doors. It gives students confidence that college isn’t just a dream—it’s a real, attainable future.”
The Guaranteed Admission Program underscores a shared vision of academic excellence and socioeconomic impact. Both UHD and HISD are committed to cultivating the intellectual and economic landscape of Houston. In keeping with the partnership, the University and school district will collaborate to promote this opportunity to all eligible HISD graduating seniors. “Houston’s future is Houston,” said HISD Chief Academic Officer Kristen Hole. “This partnership keeps Houston talent here, strengthening our workforce and our communities.”