Supporting Bright Futures
During graduation season, we get to see our mission fulfilled in very tangible ways. Recently, President and CEO Sue McMillin attended a ceremony for the first cohort of graduates from the Texas Bioscience Institute in Hutto. Supported by a 2020 grant from Greater Texas Foundation, the Institute helps students in rural Central Texas take dual credit STEM classes and aims to increase their satisfaction with STEM courses. All 17 graduates have solid postsecondary plans–16 are accepted to universities across the U.S. and one will volunteer for an ocean conservation organization in Spain before heading to college.
After such a tremendous start, we look forward to hearing about the success of the second cohort as this program continues its implementation.
Collegiate Edu-Nation Recognized for Innovation
Congratulations to our grantee and longtime partner, Collegiate Edu-Nation, for winning the Innovation Showcase Award at the Arizona State University Global Silicon Valley Summit. The $20,000 prize recognized their unique approach to improving access to postsecondary education and training for students in 17 rural districts by designing a system of high expectations starting in Pre-Kindergarten and continuing beyond high school graduation.
New Issue Brief: Success Strategies for Adult Students
In 2014, almost one-third of students enrolled in Texas colleges and universities were over the age of 25. But that number has been declining over the last eight years. Adult students face a particular set of challenges that must be addressed to get them from enrollment to graduation.
Fortunately, many schools and organizations are attuned to adult students’ unique needs and have developed effective practices to support their achievement of a credential. By looking at programs that have been successful with this population, Greater Texas Foundation identified six strategies to support adult learners on their educational journey. Our new Issue Brief is packed with resources and examples.
On the Road Again
We are happy to be gathering with partners and colleagues to support and learn from each other. We hope to see you at one of these upcoming fall events:
Sept 21-23
The Texas Tribune Festival
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Oct 10-12
Grantmakers for Education Conference in Atlanta
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Oct 16-18
NCAN Conference in Dallas
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Nov 1-3
Texas Pathways Institute in Houston
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Expanding horizons for GTF Scholars
One of our favorite events of the year is our GTF Scholars Leadership Conference. Each spring, Scholars from across the state come together for two days of confidence building, skill development, personal reflection, and networking. This year, the students were mesmerized and inspired by a writing workshop with Dallas poet laureate Joaquin Zihuatanejo, and they learned about leading with their strengths in a session taught by Texas A&M’s Dr. Melissa Shehane.
Hear our GTF Scholars talk about the impact the program has had on their college success.
Learn more about our flagship GTF Scholars program
