Last week, the Amarillo College (AC) Board of Regents approved the Badger Bound Scholarship, a new program designed to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and achievable for area students beginning next fall.The scholarship provides up to 45 hours of free college credit for students who complete at least 15 dual credit hours at AC during high school—enough to total 60 hours and earn an associate degree. To participate, school districts will establish partnership agreements with AC on behalf of their students.

Samantha Wilhelm knew Amarillo College would be a good place to start but only intended to stay a year. Two years later, Wilhelm earned her associate’s degree and will join Amarillo College’s Class of 2025 graduates at Commencement Friday, May 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum."Since I was homeschooled, I thought the size and atmosphere at AC would make it a good place to start,” she said. “I have loved the environment here.”