Citizens for Educational Excellence 2016 - 2017 Annual Report | Page 21

CITIZENS FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Summary of Accomplishments 2016-17 • Presented “Education Advocate Awards” to outstanding members of our community • Received a grant (one of 9 in the state) from TG Philanthropy in the amount of $126,000 to develop Coastal Bend education and career pathways • Invited to participate in National League of Cities Leadership Academy and selected as one of 6 cities nationally to receive technical assistance • Celebrated the 10,000 th client at Coastal Compass Education and Career Resource Center, and assisted over 2,500 clients in 2016 • Held “FAFSA Frenzy” each Saturday in February and October • Welcomed two new partners to Coastal Compass – Education Service Center Region 2 and Saint Leo University • Worked with community Education Stakeholders to develop a draft education/workforce strategic plan for Corpus Christi • Hosted the Educator Externship Program , a one-week program for 70 educators • Provided professional development to educators through the uAspire Financial Aid Training , Education to Employment Conference, and Coastal Bend industry tour. • Hosted iDiscovery Safari Career and Education Fair for over 1,400 participants • Hosted the Ready for College and Career Conference for 180 high school juniors and seniors and their counselors • Hosted the Discover Your Direction: Exploring Endorsements Conference for 250 students in Grades 7, 8, 9, and 10 • Brought together over 50 community leaders to establish a nonprofit network • Served as coordinating organization for Academic Vertical Alignment Training and Renewal (AVATAR) state-wide project and led the regional College Preparatory Course Advisory Council • Received new furniture and white boards for Coastal Compass from Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend • Received numerous grants/support – AT&T, Charity League, Coastal Bend Community Foundation, HEB, Kenedy Memorial Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Blanche Davis Moore Foundation, National College Access Network, National League of Cities, Nueces Electric Charities, Prosperity Bank, Ed Rachal Foundation, Rangeland Energy, TG Philanthropy, uAspire, University of North Texas/Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend.