CASURA represents a new initiative within the College of Arts & Sciences—the largest academic unit at Texas Tech University—that centers research experiences and applications for undergraduate students. A major part of the CASURA initiative is the High School Handshake, an accompanying program intended to combine the strengths and resources of a Tier One research institution for the benefit of school districts and students throughout our rural West Texas community.  

 

1. Specific Program Goals 

The HSHS will: 

• Provide participants with valuable exposure to and experience with the research process. 
• Catalyze student curiosity and intellectual capacity. 
• Initiate multidisciplinary culture and approach to problem solving. 
• Creation of an early bridge between students and Texas Tech. 
• Enhance and amplify parent/school interaction. 

 

2. Benefits to Schools 

• Improved academic interest and resiliency. 
• Enhancement of student skillsets and abilities. 
• High quality community outreach and interaction 
• Improved student career and college matriculation outcomes 

3. Potential Funding Mechanism Relationships 

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) 
• NSF summer teacher fellowships 
  • Stipends to participating teachers 
• Possible summer activities 

 

4. Key Takeaways 

• This is a brand-new program being piloted by the College of Arts & Sciences, the largest constituent college of Texas Tech University. 
• The university and the participating school campus will serve as equal partners in this endeavor, agreeing to rights and responsibilities as outlined in a formal MOU. 
• The participating school campus’s input absolutely critical to the development and successful execution of this program to the benefit of students and their families.  
• We will request feedback on a regular basis, beginning with an initial round in mid-March 2025.