The educational partnership between TCU and Paschal High School was formally recognized in a dedication ceremony on Monday, May 21. At the site of the live oak tree planted to symbolize the strong and enduring relationship between the two schools, Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr., Provost R. Nowell Donovan, Superintendent Walter Dansby, Fort Worth ISD trustee Joe Ralph Martinez and Principal Terri Mossige spoke about the importance of being involved in the community and working together to help eliminate the achievement gap.

The TCU-PHS partnership is highlighted by history, proximity, school colors and a shared vision of “learning to change the world.” Bob Akin, instructor of marketing at TCU, and Jennifer Fuller, strategic initiatives at PHS, lead the partnership committee, which includes faculty and students from several of the departments, colleges and organizations at TCU.

Among the many collaborations of the partnership, the Center for Urban Education in the College of Education has sponsored a three-day writing camp for Paschal students and Sarah Fuentes, assistant professor in the Andrews Institute of Mathematics and Science Education, and Loren Spice, assistant professor of mathematics, led the “Bridging the Gap” program. Bridging the Gap pairs TCU undergraduate mathematics education majors with mathematics teachers from area high schools with the goal of developing a model of productive collaboration.

Beyond academics, PHS’s Student Council and TCU’s Student Government Association are working together, and the TCU School of Classical & Contemporary Dance recently worked with PHS’s newly formed dance company. The partnership committee will brainstorm new initiatives, discuss potential research opportunities and submit challenges to both institutions to connect in as many ways possible.

Chancellor Boschini said, “TCU is committed to being the University of Fort Worth. Without a doubt, involvement in our community provides our students a richer, deeper educational experience.”

Mossige agreed, “There are many connections between both of our learning institutions, and we are excited to begin a formal collaboration for continued development and sustainability. Through this partnership, we can help create global learners, eliminate the achievement gap and build college- and career-ready students. Together, we can change the world!”