Seventeen rising seniors from Seguin and Sam Houston high schools in Arlington ISD spent the summer living on the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) campus. The three‑week residential Quest for Community program, part of the Knowledge for Freedom initiative, gave them a taste of college life, classroom instruction and community service.
College‑level learning and credit
Students attended UTA courses in political science, government, philosophy, literature and civic life, earning college credit toward a future degree. Daily readings and discussions with university professors introduced them to classic thinkers such as Aristotle and Plato, and to concepts like the “golden mean,” which emphasizes balance between extremes.
Building community and character
Beyond academics, the program emphasized community building. Participants lived in residence halls, rotated roommates each week, and took part in recreational activities including pickleball, soccer and volleyball. Field trips, such as a visit to Bonton Farms in Dallas, showed how local organizations strengthen neighborhoods. Service projects included making birthday cards for foster children.
Personal impact
Students described the experience as life‑changing. “The Quest for Community program has taught me many things that I believe are crucial for my future, not just in college, but also life‑long lessons,” said Jarelys Erazo, a senior at Sam Houston. Giselle Guadalupe Juarez, a senior at Seguin, highlighted the growth she felt from stepping outside her comfort zone by sharing a room with new classmates each week.
Victoria Isibor, also from Sam Houston, appreciated the exposure to ideas rarely covered in high school curricula. “Reading Aristotle and discussing what a community should look like helped me see the balance needed in society,” she said.
Support and future mentorship
The program was made possible by a $6,000 grant from InspireED, which covered registration for all Arlington ISD participants. UTA and the Teagle Foundation provided additional support through the Knowledge for Freedom initiative.
Mentoring will continue after the summer, with students receiving guidance on college applications, scholarship searches and the transition to higher education. “My experience at UTA was amazing,” said Nevaeh Queen, another Sam Houston senior. “I loved meeting people from different schools and getting a sneak peek at college life.”
First‑generation college goals
All seventeen participants aim to become the first in their families to graduate from college. The Quest for Community program represents a serious step toward that goal, combining academic rigor, personal growth and a sense of civic responsibility.
Original reporting: Arlington ISD District News — read the source article.
