Houston Christian University (HCU) has received a third-year renewal of a $100,000 grant from The Cullen Trust for Higher Education to support literacy initiatives at three Houston Independent School District Title I elementary schools: Lovett Elementary, McNamara Elementary and Neff Elementary.
The grant enables HCU student mentors to provide individualized literacy support to K–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, HCU 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’s demonstrated impact on student learning and achievement. Evaluations from teachers and school administrators revealed that HCU mentors helped expand classroom learning opportunities, contributed to improved student performance and positively influenced achievement across multiple subject areas.
Dr. Lesli Fridge, Dean of HCU’s College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, considers the renewal of The Cullen Trust’s grant a testament to the meaningful difference HCU students are making in local schools.
“We 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 HCU students,” said Dr. Fridge.
For HCU alumnus, James Sartin, a May 2026 HCU 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. “Through 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’s inspiring to know that this investment is something meaningful.”
Dr. Fridge values the role the mentorship opportunity plays in helping HCU students discover their calling while developing leadership and professional skills. “It is so rewarding to observe our HCU 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,” she said.
Through the renewed grant, HCU will continue partnering with Houston ISD to strengthen literacy outcomes, support classroom instruction and prepare future educators committed to serving their communities.
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About Houston Christian University
For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University 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’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s 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.