Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we reflect on Greater Texas Foundation’s work in 2017, we are grateful for you—our partners—grantees, researchers, advocates, funders, and countless others willing and ready to roll up their sleeves for Texas students. We know we cannot realize our vision for all Texas students to have access to and succeed in postsecondary education without the collective expertise and efforts of an incredible contingent of organizations and individuals. Your research, advice, leadership, and service to students is improving our state’s educational prospects day by day, and we are honored to work alongside you.

Just as a plant needs time and nourishment to grow, partnerships thrive on patience and focused attention. Because Texas students face such complex barriers to postsecondary attainment, our strongest outcomes are rooted in years of collaboration, communication, and hard work. In this report, you’ll read about four successful partnerships resulting in meaningful change for underserved students: RGV Focus, the Rural Student Success Initiative, GTF Scholars, and Tell Me What I Need to Do. Some are just getting started, while others are firmly established and branching out in new directions. All hold the promise of healthy growth for years to come.

Read on to learn more, and be sure to see the “Looking Forward” section to see how we are seeking to become a better partner in 2018. Thank you for supporting Texas students, and thank you for your interest in Greater Texas Foundation.

Sincerely,

Sue McMillin
President & CEO