Executive Letter
Communicating our mission
In support of our strategic plan, we have been revisiting our brand and strengthening our communications programs, and you’ll begin to notice some changes this fall. Our updated branding honors our history while emphasizing our focus on the future and the energy we bring to the work.
A newly-redesigned website and email newsletter put resources for our partners and grantees at the forefront.
Please let us know what you think, and how we can continue to serve you better.
Student success lies at the heart of our mission—and it always has.
Since our inception, Greater Texas Foundation has approved more than $104 million in grants to support Texas students and our strategic plan codifies this commitment by identifying student supports as one of our four strategic priorities.
Through the years, we have partnered with schools and organizations across the state who are creating innovative and differentiated approaches to improving postsecondary completion for students of all backgrounds.
As we reflect on 2020, we see that it was a very important time to be working for student success. The past year brought struggles we had never before seen or experienced, including a global pandemic and a renewed awareness of racial and economic disparities. The impact of these challenges was felt in postsecondary education. In fact, recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed that new student persistence in higher education fell by two percentage points, to 73.9 percent, in fall of 2020—the lowest rate since 2014.
Amid this challenging environment, we funded many student-centered programs that became beacons of hope, meeting students where they are with timely, tailored, and relevant support to keep them on the track to a postsecondary credential. In this report, we are honored to share the stories of our grantees and collaborators who are making positive change in Texas education.
Never has there been a more important time to be working for the educational success of all students, especially those who have traditionally faced barriers. These students need a postsecondary credential to secure living-wage jobs, support their families, contribute to their communities, and build the lives they aspire to have. The year 2020 strengthened our resolve and our belief in the work we do. Along with our partners, Greater Texas Foundation is working to help students overcome obstacles, fulfill their potential, and see beyond the horizon to what is possible for themselves and their futures. We invite you to join us in this rewarding and important work.
Sue McMillin, President & CEO
