Educate Texas - Philanthropy Advocates

Philanthropy Advocates was formerly known as the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC) until August 2020. Previously-created resources, documents and blog posts mentioning TEGAC are still provided on this website for your reference.

Transforming Education Systems Through Policy and Advocacy

As an integral part of the Policy and Advocacy team at Educate Texas, Philanthropy Advocates aligns with the strategic priorities, research, and advocacy efforts of Educate Texas to impact student outcomes through effective statewide education policy.

During Philanthropy Advocate’s fall meeting, our members informed the focus of our policy work groups, maintaining a commitment to focus on: early grades success, college and career pathways, and effective teaching.

Learn more about approach to statewide policy and advocacy to improve student outcomes.

Leadership Committee Chair Transitions

We are thrilled to announce Kristin Boyer as our new chair of the Philanthropy Advocates Leadership Committee. Kristin is the CEO of the Trellis Foundation.

Adding Expertise Towards Impact

Welcome to Our New Teammate

Join us in welcoming our newest teammate, Deandra Porter, to Philanthropy Advocates. With additional experts on staff, Philanthropy Advocates will continue to serve our members' in harnessing the power of philanthropy for Texas public and higher education.

College & Career Pathways - Transfer of Credits

Reports: Transfer Landscape Analysis & Student Survey

View reports that provide an overview of the state policies supporting student transfers, a summary of key groups addressing transfer in Texas, and a discussion of strengths and challenges facing Texas students today.

Learning From Learners: Teacher Recommendations For Improving The Clinical Teaching Experience

Philanthropy Advocates knows effective teaching goes beyond the classroom. How can clinical practices strengthen the teaching profession? Read the recommendations.

Philanthropy Advocates Encourages the Use of Federal Funding

Read a letter from Dr. Wynn Rosser, chair of Philanthropy Advocates, to state leaders regarding federal funding to address educational disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earning Postsecondary Credentials in High School

Student Voices

Student voices in education are key to understanding how policies meet people. A major impact of postsecondary education opportunities in high schools is creating affordable, career-aligned pathways for students.

Watch as a student discusses her experience in a P-TECH program.

Texas Reskilling & Upskilling Through Education

During the interim, Chairman Brandon Creighton, chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Higher Education, visited San Jacinto College to hear from higher education practitioners, students and partners.

Now, during the 87^th Texas Legislature, Chairman Creighton is championing an initiative that reflects much of what was reflected in this visit. This effort, the Texas Reskilling & Upskilling through Education (TRUE) initiative, leverages the expertise of community colleges, as well as their existing industry partnerships and labor market data, to develop credentials that return displaced Texans back to the workforce on an accelerated timeline.

Texas Early Childhood English Learner Initiative Policy Roadmap

New Initiative Urges TX Legislators, Schools, and Child Care to Support Young English Learners

To make the most of the great steps the Legislature took on pre-k last session, we need to have smart strategies in place for educating English Learners. The Texas Early Childhood English Learner Initiative policy recommendations — based on months of listening to educators, researchers, and other experts — will help the Legislature meet its goal of ensuring Texas kids are strong readers by third grade.

Read the release of a new intitative, the Texas Early Childhood English Learner Iniatiative, supported by Philanthropy Advocates.

Texas Higher Education – Partnerships & Supports

With Chairman Chris Turner and Tarrant County College

Watch highlights of a conversation between Chairman Chris Turner, Chair of the Texas House Higher Education Committee, practitioners, students and business partners.

Protecting HB 3

State’s Economic Recovery Requires Strong Public-School Recovery

Philanthropy Advocates is standing alongside a coalition of educators, public education advocates, businesses and allies in hopes that lawmakers will decide to maintain funding for all of House Bill 3's transformational reforms.

Philanthropy Advocates: Restart and Reimagine Public Education

2021 Policy Recommendations

As the Texas Legislature returns to Austin this month, it’s not an understatement to call the 87^th Regular Session, the COVID Session. The ongoing global pandemic will drive the budget and policies debates across all aspects of state government next year.

It’s time to restart and reimagine education, and Texas philanthropy is ready to stand with state leaders to help make it happen.

Read our 2021 Philanthropy Advocates Policy Recommendations.

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