Brownsville, TX – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and Teach For America (TFA) Rio Grande Valley are excited to announce the upcoming 'Youth Panel: A Discussion on What Is and Isn’t Working in Preparing Young People for College and Career.' This event will explore young people's successes and challenges in preparing for college and careers. The event, taking place at the eBridge Center on October 22, 2024, from 2:30-4:30 PM, will feature a panel of diverse voices from students and recent graduates who will share their unique experiences navigating their educational and professional journeys.
This Youth Panel aims to provide young people a platform to reflect on their educational experiences and foster a discussion around what is and isn’t working in preparing for the future. The event is open to the public but will especially benefit K-12 and higher education leaders, workforce development professionals, business and community leaders, nonprofits, and other stakeholders dedicated to youth and community development.
“Our community development efforts aren’t limited to seasoned entrepreneurs and leaders; they also extend to the next generation,” said Cori Peña, President and CEO of BCIC. “This panel is the first of its kind, allowing us to hear directly from students about their experiences and aspirations. By working with Teach For America, we hope this event becomes the foundation for many more initiatives that will continue to open doors and create lasting pathways for our youth to succeed in their future careers.”
The panel discussion will include a variety of perspectives from high school students currently enrolled in college readiness programs, students involved in career and technical education (CTE), recent high school graduates currently pursuing higher education, and those already working in careers aligned with their interests. Facilitated by Abril Flores, Director of College Counseling at IDEA College Prep Brownsville, the panel will give participants a chance to share their insights and recommendations for improving college and career readiness efforts.
"At Teach For America, we are committed to elevating the voices of young people in shaping their futures. This Youth Panel provides a powerful opportunity for students to share their insights on what is and isn’t working in preparing for college and careers,” said Ana D. González, Executive Director of Teach for America Rio Grande Valley. “By bringing together educators, community stakeholders, and business leaders, we aim to create actionable solutions that support the next generation’s success. We are proud to partner with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation in this important effort," González shared.
The event will conclude with a reflection session and networking opportunity for attendees, allowing for further engagement and collaboration in supporting the youth of Brownsville.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Time: 2:30-4:30 PM
Location: eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, 1304 E. Adams St., Brownsville, TX 78520
To learn more and RSVP, visit: www.youthpanel.eventbrite.com
About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. It is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and cultivating partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. BCIC operates under three core pillars. The first is Community Development, achieved through initiatives like the BIG Grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of Historical Downtown Brownsville, and the Quality of Life Grants, designed to enhance the community’s well-being. These grants fund projects that create welcoming and inclusive spaces, improve amenities, and promote activities that benefit both residents and visitors. The second pillar is Finance Programs, which support local small businesses by providing financial resources to help them start or expand. This, in turn, creates jobs with livable wages, contributing to the overall economic stability of the region. The third pillar is Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where BCIC supports the entrepreneurial journey with incubation, acceleration, and continuous assistance.
For more information visit www.brownsvillecic.com. For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@bcic.us.
About Teach For America Rio Grande Valley
Founded in 1991, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA-RGV) works in partnership communities across the Rio Grande Valley to expand educational opportunities for children. TFA-RGV recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley is a force of over 295 alumni and corps members working throughout the region in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classrooms to school districts to the social and private sector, they are reimagining education to realize the day when every child in the Valley has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org/riograndevalley and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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