TXST mentors transform futures with SMHS partnership

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Rattler Resource Center supports local students in college, career planning

Texas State University and San Marcos High School continue their long-standing partnership through the High School Mentor Program, an initiative designed to help students and families successfully navigate life after high school.

Established in 2009, the program has played a vital role in increasing awareness and participation in postsecondary opportunities across the San Marcos community.

Operating through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s college access initiatives, the program places Texas State student mentors on campus throughout the academic year. These mentors foster a strong college-going culture while providing direct, individualized support to students preparing their next steps.

Mentors assist with completing college applications, identifying scholarship opportunities, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), registering for standardized tests, and understanding the enrollment process.

Beyond college readiness, mentors guide students in exploring a full range of post-secondary pathways – including careers, military service, and technical or trade schools – ensuring each student can pursue a path aligned with their goals and interests.

Texas State mentors work up to 20 hours per week at the Rattler Resource Center, where they provide one-on-one guidance and resources to help students and families make informed decisions about their future.

Rosina Ruiz Valle,program specialist at Texas State University, emphasized the intentional structure behind the program’s success.

“We recruit, screen, train, and support student mentors at the Rattler Resource Center at San Marcos High School. We also assist in training college mentors and school personnel on the mission of the program, and the services mentors provide.”

Valle added that the strength of the program is rooted in the relationships mentors build with students.

“At its core, this program is about students supporting students. Our mentors not only share knowledge – they build trust, model possibilities, and help students see a future they may not have imagined for themselves.”

At the campus level, the program is implemented in close collaboration with school pleadership. Eva Key, Lead Counselor at San Marcos High School, highlighted the direct impact mentors have on students.

“Texas State Mentors are an essential part of our postsecondary guidance. They serve as the initial point of contact for college searches and the application process. From exploration to financial aid, they truly inspire our SMHS students to actively pursue their postsecondary opportunities.”

The program’s impact extends beyond logistics – it builds confidence and long-term vision for students. Twila Guajardo, Principal of San Marcos High School, noted the deeper value mentors bring to the campus.

“This program does more than provide information – it builds confidence, removes barriers, and ensures every student has access to the guidance they need to pursue their future. Our students benefit from consistent, individualized support that helps them navigate complex processes like college applications and financial aid, while also building belief in what is possible for their lives after graduation.” University leadership also recognizes the strength of the partnership and its role in shaping student success. Nick Weimer, Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential and Academic Initiatives, underscored the broader impact.

“Every day, our Texas State mentors demonstrate what’s possible when students are supported. This partnership is about more than college applications – it’s about helping young people see that their dreams are within reach.”

Together, Texas State University and San Marcos High School are creating pathways to opportunity one student at a time.

For additional information, contact Rosina Valle at [email protected]