The Neighborhood Longhorns Program (NLP), established in 1991, is an educational incentive program operated in partnership with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) in 30 Title 1 elementary and middle schools. The major goals of the program are to:
- Improve overall grade performance;
- Improve reading, math, science, and language arts skills;
- Increase student retention rates; and
- Provide scholarships for students to obtain a college education.
The program serves economically disadvantaged youth in grades 2 through 8 who are at higher risks of experiencing academic difficulties, including low grade performance, low performance on tests, low school attendance and higher rates of dropping out of school.
Improving Academic Performance
The primary objectives of the Neighborhood Longhorns Program (NLP) are to encourage self-discipline, promote enthusiasm for learning and increase student success. The NLP presents tangible incentives to the students to better their individual achievement for each grading period over the course of the academic year.
Providing Educational Incentives
Prize sessions are held at each school immediately following a grading period. University of Texas athletes from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for Men and Women, along with head coaches, university staff and community leaders, present the prizes to the students. In addition to winning prizes at each grading period, NLP participants are invited to attend football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball and tennis games and matches, and university and community cultural events.
2nd grade students receive recognition for:
- Completing their schools NLP Reading Component,
- Maintaining a “2” or better in every class,
- Maintaining an overall average of “2.5”
3rd-8th grade students receive recognition for:
- Maintaining an “80” (B-) or better in every class,
- Completing their schools NLP Reading Component,
- Improving their overall average
Earning Scholarship Opportunities
Each NLP participant who meets or surpasses all of the program requirements over the entire school year receives a $100 college scholarship award that is deposited in a bank. All scholarship funds remain in the account until the student graduates from high school.
2nd grade students are eligible for a scholarship by:
- Maintaining a “3.5” overall average,
- Completing their schools NLP Reading Component,
- Excellent Attendance, and
- Participating in the NLP for the entire school year.
3rd-8th grade students are eligible for a scholarship by:
- Maintaining an “85” (B) or better in every class,
- Completing their schools NLP Reading Component,
- Improving their overall average,
- Excellent Attendance, and
- Participating in the NLP for the entire school year.
Diagnosing and Intervening
The Neighborhood Longhorns Program works with each school to establish a NLP Reading Component that is used as a measure for educational incentives. Students receive credit for reading books on their reading level.
