Events
Introduction to events
We are a backbone organization that brings people and organizations together to solve some of the toughest challenges in Texas education. We can only do this work with our phenomenal partners who are committed to ensuring Texas students succeed.
Attendance and Engagement Cohort Collaborative
By Invite Only
The Attendance and Engagement Cohort Collaborative aims to reduce chronic absenteeism among students from low-income households by at least 10% in Central Texas by 2030. Leaders from Hays CISD, Lake Travis ISD, Lockhart ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and key community partners work together to identify root causes, test interventions, and scale effective strategies to improve student attendance and engagement.
2026-27 Meeting Dates
- September 16, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- December 16, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- March 10, 2027 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Community Partners’ Network
By Invite Only
The Community Partners’ Network strengthens cradle-to-career outcomes for students across Central Texas. Leaders from school districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations contribute expertise, identify shared opportunities, and participate in collective work to address student needs and align efforts to help all students thrive.
2026-27 Meeting Dates
- September 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (in person)
- November 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (virtual)
- December 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (in person)
Interested in joining? Complete our brief interest form.
Greater Austin Reading Coalition (GARC)
By Invite Only
GARC unites and supports the Greater Austin early literacy community to help ensure all children from kindergarten through third grade, especially those most affected by inequitable systems, are reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Nearly 40 school districts and community organizations share data, resources, and promising practices focused on family and community engagement, high-impact tutoring, and professional development.
2026-27 Meeting Dates
- October 27, 2026
- January 26, 2027
- April 27, 2027
High School to Postsecondary Readiness Cohort
By Invite Only
The High School to Postsecondary Readiness Cohort works to increase the number of Central Texas graduates who complete a college-credit-bearing course while in high school, earn a Level 1 or 2 credential, and enroll directly into postsecondary education. Hays CISD, Lockhart ISD, and Manor ISD collaborate with five higher education institutions and more than 15 government agencies and community organizations to align regional efforts around direct college admission, high-quality advising, and tuition-free postsecondary programs.
2026-27 Meeting Dates
- Campus Coaching | Week of September 21, 2026
- November 10, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- February 2, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- June 2027 | TBD
SPED/CTE Steering Committee
By Invite Only
The Special Education/Career and Technology Education (SPED/CTE) Steering Committee seeks to expand access to CTE courses, career pathways, work-based learning, and industry-recognized credentials for students receiving special education services. Leaders from six Central Texas school districts and other higher education and community partners collaborate to support successful transitions from high school to postsecondary education, training, and in-demand careers.
2026-27 Meeting Dates
- October 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- December 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- 2027 | TBD