Austin Interfaith and Austin Independent School District (AISD) jointly announced they will launch a program to train high school students at Travis, Crockett and Lanier how to land and keep a job.  

Modeled off the Summer Youth Employment program, created by Austin Interfaith 20 years ago in partnership with the City and County, this program will teach high schoolers leadership and soft skills like timeliness, and professional conduct with bosses and colleagues.  Another goal is to develop summer internships in 2016  for students who complete the leadership training.  Senator Kirk Watson was in attendance at the press conference at which AI leaders Rev. Robert Elford and Ms. Ofelia Zapata spoke.  

This program launch is happening with the support of AT&T.

[Photo Credit: Julie Change / Austin American Statesman]

Austin Interfaith to Launch Jobs Program at Three High Schools, Austin American Statesman [pdf]

Austin Interfaith Launches Internship Program for At-Risk High School Students, Community Impact [pdf]

Austin Interfaith, AISD Launch New Leadership Development Program for Crockett, Lanier and Travis High Schools, Austin Independent School District

Austin Interfaith and AT&T Launch a Campaign to Keep At-Risk Students in School, KXAN

Video of Press Conference, AISD

Attendees of a SXSW talk on education heard plenty about collaboration from Austin Interfaith leaders Ken Zarafis (President, Education Austin) and Lisa Robertson (Principal, Travis Heights Elementary) in a discussion about AISD's first public charter school.  Supt. Cruz, who was Chief Schools Officer at the time, recognized that autonomy and trust was crucial in the process.  

"It’s about trying to create a different type of culture that allows for excellence and innovation," he said.

The school gained signatures of support from 97 percent of teachers and staff, as well as support from 90 percent of its school community and board approval.

[In photo, Austin Interfaith Leaders Ken Zarifis and Lisa Robertson flank AISD Supt. Cruz.  Photo Credit: Kelli Weldon, Community Impact]

Austin ISD, Education Austin Talk Collaboration at SXSWedu, Community Impact

Austin Interfaith's second information session, held by members San Jose Catholic Church and the Equal Justice Center Monday, Dec. 1st, drew over one hundred people (mostly parishioners) seeking information about the President's executive action on immigration.  EJC lawyer Megan Sheffield warned participants against falling prey to notario fraud and urged all to begin collecting essential documents and funds for the expected application fee.   

The first session, held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, drew 77 participants seeking the same information.

Foros Buscan Informar Sobre Decreto Ejecutivo, Ahora Si