Supported by the Moody Foundation.

Bolstering Rural Instructor Development for Dual Credit Growth & Expansion in Texas (BRIDGE-TX). 

A male and female standing next to each other facing the camera and the male is holding up a UNT Dual Credit Network t-shirt

Rural Teachers. Funded Pathways.

BRIDGE‑TX at UNT helps rural Texas educators become dual credit eligible through tuition support, professional learning, and ongoing virtual network engagement. Participants pursue graduate credentials online while building stronger pathways to college for students in their communities.

Funding is limited to 125 rural Texas educators. Eligibility does not guarantee tuition support. Candidates are selected on a rolling basis while funding remains available.
 

 

Who Should Apply?

BRIDGE‑TX is designed for rural Texas educators who:
  • Teach at eligible rural campuses
  • Want to become dual credit instructors in their district
  • Need a master's degree or graduate coursework to qualify
  • Are willing to participate in program activities through completion
 

 

Am I Eligible?

To be considered for BRIDGE-TX, candidates must:

  • Be currently employed by a Texas school district and teaching at a campus identified as rural in the most recent Campus Type Data by Year published by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
  • Complete the interest form on this website so our team can verify eligibility
  • Meet UNT graduate admission and departmental requirements and pay the $75 non-refundable application fee
  • Submit a complete application file, including all required documents and supplemental materials, by the deadlines posted on this page
 

 

What's Included?

Through support from the Moody Foundation, eligible BRIDGE-TX participants receive funding, professional learning, and virtual network support designed to help them become dual credit eligible.

  • Full tuition support* for an approved online graduate program (30-hour MA or up to 18-hour GAC) through program completion or Summer 2029, whichever comes first.
  • A one-time stipend opportunity after successfully completing the first year of the program.
  • Membership in the virtual Dual Credit Network for ongoing collaboration, support, and professional connections.
  • Summer professional development at no cost designed to support future dual credit instructors.
  • Opportunities for student engagement through tailored campus and college-readiness experiences for dual credit students.
*Full tuition support covers tuition and fees for approved online courses. Participants are responsible for the non‑refundable $75 application fee, as well as any course materials, resources, or supplies required throughout their selected program.
 

 

What You Need to Know

Getting Started

Start with us before applying to UNT. We'll help determine whether BRIDGE-TX may be a fit for you and guide you through the next steps.

  • Complete the interest form to express your interest in BRIDGE-TX.
  • Check your email often to review eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, program expectations, and next steps. You can also schedule a call to speak with our team.
  • Review and sign your participation agreement if invited to move forward. You'll only receive an agreement if the grad program is currently available. If it isn't available, you'll get an email about the waitlist.
  • Receive an invitation to apply and admissions guidance once we receive your signed agreement.
  • ⚠️ Prepare to request official transcripts and recommendation letters as soon as possible. Each individual and institution must send them electronically during the application process. Incomplete application materials are the most common cause of delays and can impact your application timeline, delay your start date, and affect eligibility for limited tuition support opportunities.
  • Apply to UNT and submit the $75 non-refundable application fee once you've received your invitation.
  • ⚠️ Check your email and application status regularly to prevent delays and ensure all materials have been received and submitted.
  • Attend a virtual onboarding session to receive your admission decision, meet the Dual Credit Network team and UNT faculty,  and get ready for a successful start.
Program Expectations

BRIDGE‑TX participants commit to completing the program and engaging in opportunities designed to support their success as future dual credit instructors. Continued eligibility for full tuition support is contingent upon meeting all program expectationsParticipants must:

  • Pay the $75 non-refundable application fee, regardless of funding eligibility or program pathway.
  • Participate in ongoing virtual network and collaboration opportunities throughout the academic year.
  • Attend one annual summer professional learning event at no cost (hybrid).
  • Remain actively enrolled, maintain good academic standing, and make progress toward program completion.
  • Complete the selected online graduate program by Summer 2029.
  • Engage with Dual Credit Network activities and actively monitor program communications throughout participation.
FAQs: About the Program

I'm not sure if I'm considered a rural teacher. How do I find out?
Complete the interest form and our team will verify your eligibility using the most recent TEA Campus Type Data. We'll follow up with available options and next steps.

How do I apply for BRIDGE‑TX?
Start by completing the interest form. Eligible teachers must complete the Dual Credit Network onboarding process before being invited to apply to UNT.

What happens after I submit an interest form?
Our team will review your information and verify eligibility. If you meet the eligibility requirements and your selected degree program is available, you'll receive a BRIDGE‑TX Participant Agreement to review and sign. Once we receive your signed agreement, we'll provide a unique application invitation and next-step instructions.

What if my campus is not classified as rural by TEA?
Teachers who are not eligible for BRIDGE‑TX may still qualify for discounted tuition through the Dual Credit Network on select online graduate programs designed to support dual credit eligibility. Complete an interest form to learn more about available options and cost.

Is tuition support guaranteed?
No. Tuition support is limited and available only to eligible participants while funding remains available.

What does full tuition support mean? What costs can I expect?
Full tuition support covers tuition and required fees for approved coursework. Participants are responsible for the non‑refundable $75 application fee, as well as any course materials, resources, or supplies required throughout their selected program. Tuition support is available only through the Summer 2029 term. BRIDGE‑TX participants who do not complete their program by Summer 2029 will be responsible for all remaining tuition, fees, and related educational expenses beyond that date. Any discounted tuition rates are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed beyond the grant period.

Do I still have to pay the UNT application fee?
Yes. All applicants must pay the $75 non‑refundable UNT application fee, regardless of funding eligibility.

Are the programs fully online?
Yes. Coursework is designed for working educators and can be completed 100% online asynchronously.

How much time should I expect to commit? Is there a recommended pacing?
Graduate coursework varies by program and course load. Participants should plan regular time each week for coursework, assignments, and program activities. The Dual Credit Network recommended pacing guide is one (1) course during each Fall and Spring semester and up to two (2) courses during summer terms. Participants wanting to follow a different pacing must inform the Dual Credit Network prior to enrollment for each term.

FAQs: Application and Tuition

Who do I contact if I need help with the online application and admissions process?
Please contact UNT Graduate Recruitment at gograd@unt.edu. While The Dual Credit Network is excited to connect you with this opportunity, all application and admissions questions, requirements, and decisions are handled directly by UNT Graduate Admissions.

How do I submit my transcripts and letters of recommendation?
When you receive the invitation to apply email from the Dual Credit Network, you will get a link to begin the application process in UNT's application portal. Once inside the portal, you will be prompted to complete sections of the application. When you get to the transcripts section, you will follow the steps to request transcripts and connect them via each institution's respective systems. You will be prompted in a similar way for the remaining required and supplemental documents.

Will my previous graduate coursework count?
After admission, you must contact an academic advisor to request they review your transcript and determine whether previous graduate coursework may apply toward your degree plan.

What if the name on my application doesn't match my transcripts?
If possible, update your application to match the name on your official transcripts to prevent delays and contact GradAdmission@unt.edu. If you've already submitted your application, email GradAdmission@unt.edu and provide documentation supporting the name difference, such as a marriage license or court document. 

When will I know if I've been admitted?
Eligible applicants will receive an invitation to attend a virtual welcome and onboarding session where they will receive their admission decision.

What happens if my transcripts or recommendation letters are delayed?
Missing transcripts, recommendation letters, or other required documents may delay admission, affect your preferred start term, and impact eligibility for available tuition-support opportunities.

Are payment plans available?
Payment plans are administered by UNT Student Accounting and are available for enrolled students. Visit the UNT Student Accounting website for current payment plan options and contact their office directly with questions. 

 

 

Important Dates & Deadlines

BRIDGE-TX funding opportunities are limited. Completing each step by the deadlines below helps ensure consideration for tuition support and your preferred start term.

UNT Application Priority Deadline for Dual Credit Network Eligibility:

💚 Complete your application by Sept 20 to guarantee your spot and an admissions decision by Oct 1 for Spring 2027. 💚
  • Spring: Oct 15
  • Summer: Apr 15
  • Fall: Jun 15
⚠️ The Dual Credit Network moves forward with applicants for the current term who submit a complete application file by the published deadlines listed above. This includes transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required supplemental materials. Because these documents often take the longest to process, we encourage you to request them early. Application files submitted after the deadline may delay start terms and impact access to tuition opportunities.
 

 

Investing in Rural Educators

Our first group of rural educators will begin their online graduate pathways through BRIDGE‑TX in Fall 2026, expanding dual credit opportunities for students in communities across Texas.
 

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Complete the interest form and we'll review your eligibility and send next steps. Have questions? Connect with us using the links at the bottom of this page.

 

 

Help Spread the Word

Download and share these resources with teachers, administrators, and district leaders who may benefit from this opportunity. Together, we can help more rural educators and students!