Free tuition incentive boosts Rose fourth graders' morale, attendance

Last semester, UA President Peter Likins promised 101 third-graders at CE Rose Elementary School free tuition to the University of Arizona if they graduate high school and meet the regular admission requirements.

Although current attendance statistics are una-vailable, Principal Avelina Trujillo said the students, now in fourth grade, are coming to class regularly.

"Right now it is a general sense that the students are attending consistently," Trujillo said, adding they have not fully realized the value of free tuition.

"I think they are at such a young age the full impact hasn't hit them yet," she said. "As time goes on, they will have a greater awareness - certainly the parents are aware."

Trujillo said the promise of free tuition will keep families focused on what they have to do at home to keep their children in school.

The fourth graders received a $100,000 check from Wells Fargo to help fund the UA's Outreach program yesterday at a "Building the Future" update meeting, which provides many southern Arizona children with mentoring, tutoring and other services.

"You have an opportunity to go to the best university," said Terry Zink, senior vice president of Wells Fargo. "I wish you the best of luck."

Zink said the elementary school has a need for UA Outreach help.

"The more that can be done to prevent obstacles the more it will be a repetitive cycle (for future generations to attend college)," Zink said. "It sets in the parents' minds that 'my kids are going to college,' - that is a powerful thing."

Outreach Director Michael Duran said his challenge is to get the children academically prepared for enrolling at the university.

UA students come to Rose Elementary most days to tutor children in math, science, reading and exam preparation, Duran said.

"Teachers have been really responsive in having college students come in and help," he said.

Rose Elementary administrators have noticed a positive change in their fourth graders.

"Attitudes have changed greatly," guidance counselor Carmen Hernandez said. "There are a lot fewer referrals to the principal. Behavior is overwhelmingly positive."

Jessica Armenta, 9, said she thinks it is "cool" that she will one day be a Wildcat.

Rachael Myer can be reached via e-mail at Rachael.Myer@wildcat.arizona.edu.