How to achieve human connection
on a system-wide scale?
Year after year, analysis of our GTF Scholars program shows that human supports matter to student success in college, oftentimes even more than scholarship funding. Recently, a journal article and a report authored by outside evaluators shared the experiences of both college students and the staff who work with them to demonstrate the power of human connection.
Admittedly, this is one program serving a relatively small population of students. So how can we take lessons from strong programs and scale those lessons to serve all Texas students? We highlight four grantees who are doing just that, working to extend successful programs across networks, systems, and collaboratives.
Board Member Updates
We are pleased to share that a staff member and an advisor have been elevated to new positions within the foundation.
Leslie Gurrola has been promoted to Vice President of Programs and Strategy. Over the past 18 years, Leslie has made a lasting impact through a series of increasingly strategic leadership roles. Her deep experience, thoughtful approach, and unwavering commitment to educational access have helped shape the foundation’s direction. In this new role, she will continue to lead innovative, collaborative programs that advance the foundation’s mission and expand opportunities for students across Texas.
Leslie is eager to hear your ideas for concepts that align with the foundation’s new strategic plan. Send in your initial inquiries here.
Dr. Mary Hendrix has joined the board after serving as an external advisor to the Charitable Activities Committee of the board for seven years. Dr. Hendrix has a PhD in Educational Psychology and served as Provost and Vice President for Student Access and Success at Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M).
Please join us in congratulating these leaders who are shaping the future of GTF.
Recent Grants
In its history, Greater Texas Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in grants to changemakers in Texas education.Â
Recently, we announced grants to the following organizations:
The University of Texas at Dallas
Study of English language learners at community colleges
$195,091
The John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education
Transforming the postsecondary experience
$1,144,898
Collegiate Edu-Nation
CEN continues to expand their P-20 model in rural Texas
$1,118,985
What We’re Reading
In the midst of working with our second cohort of community colleges in the Texas Emergency Aid Roadmap program, we took note of this blog from the Bipartisan Policy Center.
It highlights data and lessons learned about the role of emergency aid in supporting student success.
On The Road
In September, we are heading to the 30th anniversary NCAN National Conference. GTF is proudly sponsoring the Rural Strategies conference track. Will we see you there?