5th Annual Education Reach for Texans Convening 
May 30, 2014, Austin, Texas

Something new for 2014. While previous convenings have been one and half days long, we condensed the 5th Annual Education Reach for Texans Convening into a single, action-packed day. Our intent is to reduce days out of the office and travel costs for our attendees.

Besides compressing the convening into a single day, we have added another event on the day before solely for current and former foster youth. The 2014 Youth Gathering will facilitate discussion of youth needs and ideas related to college. The results will be presented at the full convening the following day.

Online registration for both events ends on May 23, 2014. See details below and instructions on registering for both events.

Convening Details

Education Reach for Texans (formerly Texas Reach) and Austin Community College (ACC) present the 5th Annual Education Reach for Texans Convening on Friday, May 30, 2014. This year, we are offering an intensive, one-day event at the ACC-Highland Campus in Austin, the former Highland Mall. Click the Register Now button in the left column to register for the convening.

Join your colleagues from colleges, universities, and foster care advocate services to learn about eliminating barriers to postsecondary success.The convening highlights the postsecondary education journey youth in foster care face, updates on resources, and networking opportunities. Registration includes access to all convening presentations, a continental breakfast, lunch, and a mid-day snack. In addition, CEU and contact hour certificates will be offered to those interested. Want more details? Here's a draft of the convening program agenda.

During the second half of the day, we will offer breakout sessions focused on the following stakeholders and topics:
  • Foster Care Alumni Students
  • Foster Parents/Agencies
  • New Colleges/Programs
  • Existing Programs

Youth Gathering Details

On Thursday, May 29, 2014, Education Reach for Texans and ACC are hosting a gathering of current and former foster youth interested in or attending a college or university. This one-day event provides a forum for current and future college students to discuss their needs, challenges, and recommendations related to college access and success. In addition, current college students will have the opportunity to learn more about employment opportunities, academic preparation, and financial aid. A draft of the Youth Gathering agenda is available for review. Use the button below to register for the Youth Gathering:
Eventbrite - Education Reach for Texans 2014 Youth Gathering
This is the first Youth Gathering conducted by Education Reach for Texans. Results and recommendations developed during this gathering will be presented at the convening on the following day (May 30, 2014). This will provide attendees direct, youth-defined information. 
*Many thanks to Ryan Prawiradjaja for allowing us to use his beautiful photo of Austin. If only everyday looked like this.