As this school year comes to a close for pre-K-12 and higher education students across the state, we are reflecting on the more than two years that have passed since the beginning of the pandemic. Many students, their schools, and their families are continuing to face challenges, and we are particularly proud of how they are working hard to adapt and overcome these obstacles. Many young adults are now beginning the next chapter of their educational and career journeys. As you continue your work to impact the lives of students, we hope you will find the updates below to be helpful and will share the information with your colleagues and friends. As we prepare for the next school year, we are thankful for all our partners who work alongside us and are committed to our goal to equitably advance higher education and effective teaching opportunities.
Welcoming New Leaders Please join us in welcoming four new members of Educate Texas’ growing team, who are expanding our programs, partnerships, and policy efforts to help achieve our 2025 Strategic Plan goals for students and teachers:
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Weslie Brittin, Managing Director of Finance and Administration
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Dr. Arturo Cavazos, Superintendent in Residence
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Dr. Joe May, Chancellor in Residence
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Thear Suzuki, CFT Trustee and Educate Texas Advisory Committee Member
RGV FOCUS 2021 Annual Report & Scorecard Educate Texas’ RGV FOCUS initiative is measurably improving education across the Rio Grande Valley. With the theme of “What Matters Most, lo que mas importa,” the 9th annual report and scorecard emphasize the importance of families and community.
We invite you to visit RGVFOCUS.org to view the latest scorecard data, and success stories, and to learn more about our work. You’ll see that Rio Grande Valley students now match or exceed Texas averages in 9 out of 12 key
indicators, including these highlights: •
56% of RGV high school students are completing Advanced Placement or Dual Credit Courses, exceeding the state average of 46%.
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55% of RGV high school seniors are completing the FAFSA for financial aid, exceeding the state average of 47%
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And 49% of RGV high school graduates are immediately enrolling and beginning instruction in higher education, exceeding the state average of 45%.
What matters most is the education and support of all students so they find their place on a path that is right for them. Read The Report and Learn More About RGV FOCUS
The Latest Resources From Our TxCAN Blog Our Texas College Access Network (TxCAN) connects college access initiatives across Texas, with the goal of increasing students’ access to college and certificate programs. We align, convene, and train college access leaders to address the latest challenges, innovations, and opportunities to support students with expert insights and solutions.
Visit our TxCAN blog landing page to browse all posts, including the latest updates below: •
Summer Transitions
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College Scorecards
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Advising Students: Balancing Financial Obligations & Educational Aspirations
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Dr. Kenyatta Lovett: My HBCU Story
View the TxCAN Blog
EdTx in the News •
Austin Partnership Supports Parenting Students to Build Opportunity Across Generations, Jan 5
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HCA Healthcare Announces HCA Healthcare Foundation’s $1.35 Million Grant to Educate Texas, Jan 19
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Collin Corporate College Partners with TEDxPlano to Offer FourPart Series on Innovation, Jan 28
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Grant Looks To Increase Industry Certifications, Feb 4
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Faces of Philanthropy, Feb 16
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Welcoming Dr. Arturo Cavazos, Educate Texas Superintendent in Residence, Feb 21
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Watch: Higher Education Leaders Reflect on Enrollment Losses and the Need for Virtual Learning Even After the Pandemic, Feb 25
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Educate Texas Welcomes Dr. Joe May as Chancellor in Residence, Apr 25
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Facing a Teacher Shortage, Texas Considers a More Rigorous Teacher Certification Exam, Apr 29
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New RGV FOCUS Scorecard Has Been Published, May 20
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Ways to Support Uvalde, Texas in the Wake of the School Shooting at Robb Elementary, May 25
Give the Gift of Innovation Our chance to build thriving education systems and a better workforce for tomorrow is now. As we approach the end of another school year, consider a gift to Educate Texas. Your support can help us continue to strengthen our state’s public and higher education systems and transform the lives of students across Texas. Donate to Educate Texas