students, up from the 18 percent before the underclassmen arrived. The school also saw an increase in Hispanic students at its Sugar Land campus.

Location, a small-town setting and costs were what appealed to underclassmen.

Herrera chose the school because she wanted to be part of the first class of freshmen.

"We're the first ones to set the traditions, set the customs," she said.

First-generation students often need additional support like tutoring and mentoring, something federal funds help provide.

Victoria College has been a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 1998 with 35 percent of its 4,323 students identifying themselves as Hispanic.

Florinda Correa, VC vice president of student services, said the status provides much needed money.

"The funding is so critical in order to provide services," she said. "And this is just one more way of havingtechnologically supported model, starting with 9th graders will allow the students to fully benefit from the entire program. It will also allow an extra year of English immersion in an aggressive academic program,” Jeff said.

DWC High School will be 1st Hybrid School in the MENA area; which combines the best elements of face to face and virtual education. The students will work at their own pace but with staff to assist them. The social elements are enhanced as non-learning time is minimized and students are more collaborative in their task accomplishment while together. The face to face element also provides an opportunity to build a community and culture of futuristic learners and leaders.

Dr. Howard Reed, Director of DWC, said that there are many universities and colleges around the