Trailblazer Elite

The UNT Dallas Trailblazer Elite Program (TBE) provides strategic services and resources to first-generation students starting college for the first time. The program is designed to promote student retention and ensure that students successfully graduate from UNT Dallas. The program was created through a grant from the 86th Texas Legislature.

Our focus is to help students successfully navigate through college with strong support systems. Through mentoring, tailored programming, and team building, an ELITE scholar will receive the skills needed to be successful from admission to graduation.

“I am a full-time student who also works full-time, so I really don’t have a lot of free time. But my mentor helped guide me and made sure I was getting all the help and financial aid I could get. This program has done so many amazing things for me and continues to do so.”

Makayla DeLeon

Student Commitment & Requirements

Trailblazer Elite students are highly motivated and are looking for a community to help them succeed. To fully reap the benefits of the program, students must meet the following requirements. 

• Commit to meeting with a mentor twice a month
• Complete the Trailblazer Elite UGST course
• Participate in monthly programming with TBE staff and peer mentors
• Meet with the Trailblazer Elite Student Solutions Coordinator once a semester
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA
• Sign a commitment form

Student Opportunities and Benefits

Students who commit to the TBE program receive the following benefits and opportunities

• Early Registration
• Mentoring with faculty or staff member
• Scholarships & book vouchers (must meet program requirements)
• Leadership development and networking
• Internships and on-campus job opportunities
• Attend conferences and retreats
• Fun Social Events
• Trailblazer Elite SWAG

Student and Alumni TestimonialsSee what some of our current students and graduates have to say about how the TBE program has impacted their UNT Dallas experience. 

Faculty & Staff Mentorship

Mentoring is a key component of the Trailblazer Elite program. Students are paired with a UNT Dallas faculty or staff member who will serve as a guide throughout the academic year. 

“I view Trailblazer Elite as part of my job as being a part of the community of the (UNT) system as a whole and being a part of the community at large.”'

Ron Brade, Chief Procurement Officer, UNT System

Faculty and staff mentors are dedicated individuals who interact with their mentees to meet the requirements of the program. Mentors commit to do the following to ensure student success:

• Assist in setting goals to achieve academic and personal success
• Hold in-person or virtual meetings twice a month
• Serve as a point of reference in the event of academic difficulty
• Make nominations for end-of-year awards based on participation

Retention & Persistence Goals:

Trailblazer Elite's primary goal is to retain each student until college graduation. Currently, our program has the highest retention rate of college students at UNT Dallas. 

• Cohort 1 (2019) - 84% 
• Cohort 2 (2020) - 80%