*Sponsored Post*

Jan. 31 is the last day to apply to attend one of Dallas ISD’s magnet or choice schools, collegiate academies, or two-way dual-language schools. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your student(s) to take advantage of some of the district’s most exciting programs.

Whether you’ll have a rising freshman next year who’s interested in cutting the cost of college, tremendously, by earning an associate degree while still in high school, or a young student who could benefit from a two-way dual language program and learn to speak, read and write in a second language, Dallas ISD has the school to meet the interests of every child. And don’t forget that Dallas ISD has some of the country’s top magnet schools. Act now. January 31 is around the corner.

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Applications are available online at: dallasisd.org/application1718

Opportunities for scholarships and financial assistance are out there

For college-bound seniors, this is a critical application period as well. It’s time to submit those final applications for college admission and scholarships. Every year, thousands of scholarship dollars are left on the table despite the best efforts of educators and counselors to assist students and their families in finding ways to afford college. There are many options out there for students who can’t afford college, and while it can be time consuming to search for and complete the application process, it could mean the difference in attending or not attending college.

The Hub, Dallas ISD’s online newsroom, recently posted an article about available college scholarship opportunities for students and provided a link to the scholarship page sponsored by the district’s Counseling Services office.

I encourage you to check out these valuable resources. You will find a wealth of information about college preparation, FAFSA application information, scholarships, and the Texas Exemption Program, which provides lowered tuition for eligible students attending Texas public colleges and universities.

Deadlines are fast approaching for many of these programs, so don’t delay. It would be a shame if students come this far and can’t realize their dream of attending college because they can’t afford it. Don’t let your student miss these important opportunities.

In other district news:

Dallas ISD is taking STEM Day to a whole new level in 2017 with the largest STEM Expo in Texas, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The event is free and open to all Dallas area families and will feature 150 hands-on STEM activities. Register at dallasisd.org/stem.

The district is holding several budget meetings throughout the city and the entire community is encouraged to come out to hear how tax dollars are being invested and to provide input into the budget process for the 2017-2018 school year. District 7 will host one of the meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 2, at Raul Quintanilla Sr. Middle School, 2700 Remond Drive. I look forward to seeing you there.

Audrey Pinkerton

Audrey Pinkerton is the District 7 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.