Texas A&M University at Galveston introduces ninth-grade students to the college experience.    

(Galveston, TX --- Nov. 21, 2013) —Texas A&M University at Galveston Yell Leaders hosted an introductory Yell Practice to introduce the Mosbacher Odyssey Academy 9^th graders to Texas A&M traditions prior to their class trip to College Station. Odyssey has expanded this year to add 9^th grade and will add one grade level each year until these students are in the 12^th grade.

“As we experience our inaugural year as an academy,” said Jennifer Goodman, Superintendent of Odyssey Academy, we are intent on offering college-bound experiences for our students.”

In her 10^th year as Odyssey’s superintendent, Goodman says, “We intend to grow the academy and inspire our students to reach their best potential.”

Heather Nielson, the academy’s dean for middle and high school students says that the academy places an emphasis with all students on going to college.

“This trip and yell practice were our first real college prep experiences,” she said. “I’ve been meeting with 9^th graders one-on-one to discuss their plans for their future, but this trip made all of those plans more of a reality.

“We hoped that through this experience, we would make college not just a word or a distant dream, but help college to become a reality for our students. Nielson confirms that the Aggie yell practice and trip to Kyle Field football stadium impacted students.

“The students themselves called the trip, “life-changing,” she said. “All of our students have now decided that college is a part of their future. They came to school on Monday more dedicated and motivated, asking for scholarship applications.”

The Texas A&M Yell Leaders led class yells, but also spent time sharing their college experiences with Odyssey students talking about what it is like to go to college. Because this is Odyssey’s inaugural year, the Yell Leaders also had the honor of crowning the first Odyssey Homecoming King and Queen.

 To learn more about Texas A&M at Galveston, go to https://www.tamug.edu or call (877) 322-4443.