Education & Workforce
El Paso is featured in Business at the Table, sponsored by Lumina, ACCE, and Partners for Livable Communities
Business at the Table: The Employer Drive for Higher Education Attainment is about communities uniting around a common goal to help drive economic development. The goal is closing the college attainment gap and growing the educated workforce. This report explores the challenges and successes of local, regional, and national education reform initiatives. It highlights lessons for all chamber and business leaders interested in making progress toward the goal.
Business at the Table: The Employer Drive for Higher Education Attainment
Mission: Lead partnership development efforts between business and education leaders and advocate for meaningful policy change in order to enhance Education and Workforce Development outcomes in El Paso.
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Volunteer Leadership |
Staff |
| Chair, Gary Borsch, Professional Investment Counsel Chair-Elect, John Hjalmquist, Pizza Properties Past-Chair, Terry McGreenhan, ADP Chair, When I Grow Up, Bianca Aguilar, Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Chair, Adventure for Your Future, Rene Andre, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Chair, FAFSA Nights, Carmen Gonzalez, UTEP |
Ana Luz Hernández |
Overview: Improving the quality of life for El Paso has been a Chamber priority since its inception. Recognizing that education is the engine for economic-growth, Chamber leadership is committed to building fruitful relationships with relevant stakeholders that strive to improve the educational outcomes in the region.
Quick Facts:- Member, Collaborative for Academic Excellence at the University of Texas at El Paso
- Advisor, Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions Board
- Member, Senator Jose Rodriguez, Advisory Committee, Subcommittee on Education
- 2010-11 Member, Socorro Independent School District, Facilities Advisory Committee
Looking to get involved? Please contact Ana Luz Hernández, Director of Policy and Programs, at alhernandez@elpaso.org
Merging Business and Education
Education Advocacy
The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce has a robust advocacy effort in several different areas and is committed to expanding its scope to include education and workforce development. As the Voice for the Community, the Chamber is in a position to effect positive change on behalf of education and workforce development stakeholders by formulating and supporting public policy. Aligning advocacy efforts ensures a unified vision for education in El Paso.
Members interested in receiving legislative updates may view the Chamber's Advocate monthly e-newsletter
Resources
83rd Education Legislative AgendaPublic Education Challenges
Issue Brief: Outcomes Based Funding
Issue Brief: TEXAS Grant Priority Model
Resolution in support of Canutillos Tax Ratification Election and School Bond Election (2011)
Resolution in support of SISD’s School Bond Election (2011)
2011 Education Federal Legislative Agenda
The Chamber will continue to push for education
Robert Scott visits the Chamber
Equity Center
Texas Taxpayers and Research Association - Intro to School Finance Document
Texas Taxpayers and Research Association - Intro to School Finance Presentation
Cover Letter to EPISD Board
School Board Resolution Final
When I Grow Up
The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the El Paso Independent School District will offer fifth-grade students the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The goal is to provide early exposure to students in STEM careers through interactive activities and tours designed to stimulate interest, build excitement, and connect career aspirations with postsecondary education.
| Partners, Spring 2011 | Partners, Spring 2012 |
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ADP |
ADP |
Chamber launches pilot project
Since 2011, the program has recruited seven companies, served three elementary schools, and reached 89 students. Planning efforts are underway to launch the third round in November.
State of Education Address
The State of Education Address serves as a forum to highlight pressing policy issues, build upon the relationships developed with the education community, and share the expectations and needs of the business community with the education sector.
Former Speakers- Cathy Minchberg, Center for Reform of School Systems, 2012
- Julian Trevino, Former Board President, San Antonio ISD, 2012
- Jamie Merisotis, Lumina Foundation, 2012
- Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., Chancellor, UT System - 2011
- Dr. Xavier De la Torre, Superintendent, Socorro Independent School District - 2011
- Dr. Diana Natalicio, President, the University of Texas at El Paso - 2010
High school seniors, make sure you are ready for graduation! Please review the checklist below.
What is FAFSA Nights? These are the series of workshops hosted by local financial aid officers at your high school campus. The workshops run from 4:30-7:00PM at either the computer lab or library. Families have the opportunity to receive one to one assistance in Spanish and English. FAFSA Nights will return in February and March of 2014.
What is FAFSA? FAFSA is the acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, utilized by colleges and universities to award financial aid (grants, loans) and scholarships to eligible students.
How do I access the FAFSA application? You and your parents must request a PIN. Visit the Federal Student Aid's PIN Web site at www.pin.ed.gov
- If you have never received a PIN, choose Apply For a PIN.
- If you have a PIN but have lost or forgotten it, choose Request a Duplicate PIN
- If you think someone else knows your PIN, choose Change My PIN.
If you choose to have the PIN e-mailed to you, it will be e-mailed immediately notifying you that your PIN has been created and how to retrieve it.
If you choose to have the PIN mailed to you, it will be mailed to the mailing address on file. It may take 7-10 days for you to receive it.
Are there any forms needed to fill out the FAFSA? You will need records of income earned in the year prior to when you will start school. You may also need records of your parents' income information if you are a dependent student.
For the 2013-2014 school year you will need financial information from 2012. You may need to refer to:
- Your Social Security card. It is important that you enter your Social Security Number correctly!
- Your driver's license (if any)
- Your 2012 W-2 forms and other records of money earned
- Your (and if married, your spouse's) 2012 Federal Income Tax Return.
- IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ
- Foreign Tax Return
- Your Parents' 2012 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
- Your 2012 untaxed income records
- Your current bank statements
- Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
What if I am not a U.S. Citizen? You will not fill out the FAFSA. Instead you will have to fill out the Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA). Please click here to access the application. This form must be submitted directly to your college/university.
How soon may I fill out the FAFSA online? January 1st of every year at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
Is there a deadline? Each college and university has a financial aid priority deadline. To view deadlines for Texas institutions click here.
Thank you to our generous sponsors.
Castro Enterprises, Cox Smith and GECU
