2023 Education Reach for Texans Conference

109 Student Center Drive,San Marcos TX 78666

03 April, 2023

Description

Education Reach for Texans 2023 Conference We are excited to be back in person this year for the 14th annual Reach conference. Please view the schedule at a glance below. Cost: Scholarship registration: Free for anyone with experience in foster care which includes the pre-conference workshop. Student Registration: $30 which includes the pre-conference workshop. General Early Bird registration: $125 conference registration fee which includes the pre-conference workshop. Ends March 1st. General registration: After March 1st, the cost to attend is a $150 conference registration fee which includes the pre-conference workshop. Monday, April 3, 2023  Continental Breakfast and Coffee 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Pre-Conference Workshop for New Liaisons 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join seasoned foster care liaisons Brenda Sweeten (University of North Texas) and Dr. Christine Norton (Texas State University) to get a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a foster care liaison. Get information about best practices, experiences of students, and strategies to overcome institutional challenges. This is a great training for new liaisons and liaisons who need a refresher in their role. Lunch on your own & Registration 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Welcome 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Session 1: Keynote Speaker 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ereka Howard She is a speaker, co-author, Certified Life Coach, Clinician, and Adoptee. Since the precocious age of eight, Ms. Ereka Howard has graced and impacted audiences throughout the nation alongside her adoptive mother. Ms. Ereka Howard has been recognized as an authority on motivation, peak performance, and peer leadership which have made her well-respected among her community and audience. Ms. Ereka Howard creates an authentic connection with her audience as they think, laugh, applaud, and remain engaged. Due to her ability to relate to and transform people’s lives, she is a highly national sought-after speaker. M. Ereka Howard displays knowledge, wisdom, and engaging speaking styles riddled with humor and captivating stories which have made her an asset to partnerships and audiences. After overcoming many hurdles throughout her life, Ms. Ereka Howard now shares her life experiences and teaches the community how to be successful throughout life. Ms. Ereka Howard has dedicated her life to the empowerment of everyone. She is a fresh voice for a new generation. Ms. Ereka Howard has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ereka is currently working on a Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision. https://mserekahoward.com/about/ Session 2: K-12 to Higher Education 2:45 pm – 3:45 p.m. Led by: LaTrenda Watson, Foster Care State Coordinator, Texas Education Agency Aimee Corbin, Staff Attorney, Supreme Court of Texas for the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families Felicia Penn, Education Specialist, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Hollye Pickett, CPS KIN Specialist IV, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Session 3: Breakout 1 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Four important breakouts, including sessions on housing, community programs and partnerships, and campus support program. Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Session 4: Students with Experience in Foster Care Panel 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Moderated by Jackie Davis, Dallas CASA In this panel, students with lived experience in foster care will share their perspectives about what foster care liaisons can and should do to support students. Session 5: Research Updates 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Led by Toni Watt (Texas State University), Monica Faulkner (The University of Texas at Austin), and Christine Norton (Texas State University) Session 6: Breakout 2 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. These sessions will provide an opportunity for information sharing and networking with colleagues from various disciplines and regions. Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Session 7: Workforce Connections 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Laura Villarreal, Program Specialist, Texas Workforce Commission Chris Caballero, Program Specialist V, Texas Workforce Commission Farewell 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.