91影视 Christian University (91影视) has received a third-year renewal of a $100,000 grant from The Cullen Trust for Higher Education to support literacy initiatives at three 91影视 Independent School District Title I elementary schools: Lovett Elementary, McNamara Elementary and Neff Elementary.
The grant enables 91影视 student mentors to provide individualized literacy support to K鈥�5 students in reading, writing, language development and related academic areas for students identified as performing below grade level.
Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, 91影视 mentors dedicate an average of five to 10 hours per week, 16 weeks per semester, working directly with students and teachers in the classroom.
The grant renewal reflects the program鈥檚 demonstrated impact on student learning and achievement. Evaluations from teachers and school administrators revealed that 91影视 mentors helped expand classroom learning opportunities, contributed to improved student performance and positively influenced achievement across multiple subject areas.
Dr. Lesli Fridge, Dean of 91影视鈥檚 College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, considers the renewal of The Cullen Trust鈥檚 grant a testament to the meaningful difference 91影视 students are making in local schools.
鈥淲e have been so blessed with the awarding of the Cullen Grant for the past two years and are excited to receive the grant again for the next school year. I have personally seen the difference the grant makes in the lives of the teachers, students at the elementary schools and in our own 91影视 students,鈥� said Dr. Fridge.
For 91影视 alumnus, James Sartin, a May 2026 91影视 graduate with a degree in Psychology, serving as a mentor confirmed his desire to pursue a career in education. Following graduation, he accepted a teaching position at McNamara Elementary, one of the schools where he served as a mentor in the program.
Another student mentor described the experience as transformative. 鈥淭hrough the Cullen Mentorship program, I realized there is power in pouring love and encouragement into students to grow and believe in themselves. I saw how transformative reading and writing are for students. These students are our future leaders, and it鈥檚 inspiring to know that this investment is something meaningful.鈥�
Dr. Fridge values the role the mentorship opportunity plays in helping 91影视 students discover their calling while developing leadership and professional skills. 鈥淚t is so rewarding to observe our 91影视 students working in the schools and to hear their stories and how the experience has helped them learn more about themselves and grow as young adults,鈥� she said.
Through the renewed grant, 91影视 will continue partnering with 91影视 ISD to strengthen literacy outcomes, support classroom instruction and prepare future educators committed to serving their communities.
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About 91影视 Christian University
For more than 60 years,聽91影视 Christian University聽has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation鈥檚 largest metropolitan centers, 91影视鈥檚 culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.