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    Family Empowerment Initiative
     
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    Beyond opportunities for families to learn about the college education system, college readiness, college enrollment processes, and career opportunities, the Region One ESC GEAR UP grants provide a system of support for GEAR UP families and develops leaders in the community through the Parent Leadership Council (PLC), an innovative and engaging campus based parent-to-parent trainer model.

    Parents participants:

    • provide presentations on the effective role of families in education and post-secondary success
    • identify post- secondary needs & interests of community parents
    • recruit parents for GEAR UP activities
    • organize and facilitate parent-based GEAR UP services
      
    Parent advocates will collaborate with campus leaders to maximize efforts and meet the needs of the community. Presentations, services and materials will be available in English and Spanish. Parents have the opportunity to participate in applicable Region One ESC GEAR UP Partnership events, meetings, and sessions to gain knowledge of postsecondary readiness and opportunities.  

    Monthly parent meetings (minimum of six) will be conducted at each partner school.

    Presentation Topics may include: 

    • The role of the family in post-secondary preparation and success
    • Criteria for Rigorous Coursework – AP/International Baccalaureate/Dual Credit and OnRamps 
    • The Foundation High School Program Overview & Graduation Requirements
    • Endorsements and Distinguished Level of Achievement
    • College Tuition and Fees 
    • Stackable Credentials and Career Pathways 
    • Financial Literacy
    • Financial Aid
    • College Entrance Requirements
    • Systemic Supports for Success 
    • High School to Post Secondary Transistion for Students with Special Needs
    Participants are encouraged to attend regional GEAR UP events with students such as:
     
    • College for All Conferences
    • Financial Literacy Summit
    • I AM and T.I.E.S. Conferences
    • Parent Institutes

    Ongoing communication will be established with the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to share insight, gain parent perspective and evaluate feedback of operations, program procedures and GEAR UP services and activities.

    In addition, ongoing efforts will be made by Region One ESC, with partners from the Deep South Texas Financial Literacy Alliance (DSTFLA) to provide training and information on financial literacy. Training and information will be provided in a bilingual format (English/Spanish).

     

    For additional infomation, contact:

    Family Empowerment Initiative Specialists

    Sylvia Vargas                                                                          

    svargas@esc1.net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

    (956)984-6074

     

     
     
Last Modified on June 10, 2021