The Longhorn Center for Academic Equity (LCAE) at The University of Texas at Austin recently launched the Strive Grad Prep Academy (GPA), a new graduate school prep academy designed to widen the pathways to graduate and professional school for students historically excluded from postgraduate education. Strive GPA offers eligible undergraduates a wealth of resources and services, including no-cost test prep courses provided in partnership with Kaplan.

“At the LCAE, we aim to eliminate barriers and give students—particularly those from historically underserved communities—the competitive edge,” said LCAE Associate Vice President Dr. Tiffany Lewis.  “By offering this free service, we are leveling the playing field for all students by opening pathways and showing them what’s possible.”

Strive GPA provides Pell-eligible and first-generation students with free live, online prep courses taught by Kaplan instructors as well as seminars, workshops and advising with LCAE staff and graduate students. Offerings also include free digital textbooks and test fee scholarships.

Working in tandem with the LCAE’s graduate study and career prep programs, including Ronald E. McNair Scholars and College-to-Career, Strive GPA will help students take the next step in their education and professions.

“Students are almost always capable of much more than they realize,” said LCAE Executive Director Dr. Eric Dieter. “Our hope is that Strive GPA encourages students to not let the nuts and bolts of pursuing postgraduate education prevent them from reaching their full potential. By eliminating financial barriers, by providing graduate and professional school literacy, and by offering persistent guidance, we can support students on their pathway to successful postgraduate degrees and careers.”

Jessica Peterson, director of institutional partnerships, Kaplan, said the company couldn’t be more excited to work with the LCAE’s Strive Grad Prep Academy to help open the doors of opportunity for so many talented and ambitious UT Austin students.

“The University of Texas is already home to one of the nation’s largest pre-law and pre-med communities, in addition to aspiring MBA and graduate students, and this partnership will help cement the flagship school’s status as a national hub for students looking to further their education and achieve their career goals,” Peterson said.

More About the LCAE
Housed within the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, the LCAE is a learning community that offers free and accessible student success programs and initiatives including advising and tutoring services, study abroad opportunities, graduate school preparatory programs and more. Visit the LCAE website for more information.

More About Kaplan
Kaplan is a global educational services company that provides individuals, universities, and businesses with a diverse array of services, including higher and professional education, test preparation, language training, corporate and leadership training, and student recruitment, online enablement and other university support services. Kaplan is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC).  Visit the Kaplan website for more information.