Texas Governor’s School Brings Top High Schools To Texas A&M To Learn Leadership

More than 85 high school students from across the state have come to Texas A&M University to take part in the Texas Governor’s School in Arts and Humanities for Urban Leadership.

The Texas Governor’s School at Texas A&M provides a three-week educational opportunity for high-achieving 11th and 12th graders to develop leadership skills by engaging in the arts and humanities. The participating students will be on campus through June 24 to learn the skills to become future urban leaders. The program’s curriculum is designed to develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, leadership, higher-level thinking, research and study skills.

“Our goal is to increase support of urban secondary students in Texas at the higher education level by providing opportunities to learn and interact in arts and humanities activities that foster leadership,” said Patrick Slattery, professor of culture, curriculum and instruction at Texas A&M and co-director of the Texas Governor’s School. “We hope to build a community of diverse learners and artists who are equipped to address the unique challenges of urban culture to lead Texas into the 21st century.”

The students will visit area museums, participate in theatre arts performances, listen to visiting artists, engage in film and digital media projects and enroll in four college-level courses. As added bonuses, they are advised about college admissions, university programs, campus life and Aggie traditions.

Formerly called the Texas Honors Leadership Program (THLP), the program is funded by a three-year grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is conducted free of charge to eligible students. This is the third year Texas A&M has participated in the program, which is offered at only four sites in Texas.