Baylor University will be partnering with Blinn College on a formal transfer agreement that will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions, school officials announced.

The partnership agreement for the Baylor Bound program was signed by Blinn District President Harold Nolte and Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr during a ceremony Room in the Blinn-Brenham campus Student Center, KBTX reported.

"This is a natural partnership," Nolte said. "Baylor and Blinn have long traditions of creating educational opportunities for Texas students and providing them the tools they need to be successful. This agreement gives our students a formal pathway into Baylor University and the opportunity of a lifetime."

The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated Blinn students who, upon meeting the program's criteria, will transfer to Baylor toward the goal of completing their baccalaureate degrees.

As one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor intends to create 10 Baylor Bound partnerships with strong Texas community colleges over the next five years. The Baylor-Blinn agreement is the third partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco and Tyler Junior College in Tyler.

"The Baylor Bound program is a wonderful avenue for so many community college students who wish to continue an outstanding education at Baylor University," Starr said. "We are grateful to Blinn College for entering into this historic agreement, which will provide greater educational access for students in the Brazos Valley."

Students will be able to participate in Baylor Bound at Blinn College starting in the fall of 2015, with the intent to transfer to Baylor in the fall of 2016.

Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at Blinn or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor's Office of Admission Services.