May 4 was GenTX Day -- a day for everyone to unite in support of this
generation of Texas students. GenTX (short for Generation Texas) is a campaign of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in collaboration with the E3 Alliance. Their goal is to build a college-going culture by inspiring students to seek post-secondary education and providing information about the steps to take on the path to college and career, such as taking the right tests, applying for school, and finding the money to pay for it all.
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| The Akins dance team kicked things off with a routine inspired by Michael Jackson. |
I spent Friday afternoon in the packed Akins High School gymnasium promoting this worthy
cause along with other community leaders, including AISD Board Trustee
Lori Moya, Texas Longhorn legend Vince Young and local education
luminary Dr. Charles Akins, the man for whom the high school is named.
Each of us spoke about the importance of higher education and shared stories about our own college experiences in the hopes
of inspiring the assembled seniors to follow their own dreams beyond high school.
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| Trustee Lori Moya urges the assembled students to pursue their education beyond high school. |
Preparing students for success in college and career is an important goal shared by the Austin school district and the state of Texas. Just as closing the academic achievement gap among different groups of students is a key plank in the district's strategic plan, the state's "Closing the Gaps" initiative is striving to dramatically increase the participation of Texas students in higher education -- particularly students from low-income homes who are less likely to attend college. Community-based movements like GenTX are vital to supporting this objective. I am proud to participate in their efforts to make this generation of students the most successful in Texas history!
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| Words of wisdom from Dr. Charles Akins. |
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| When Dr. Akins speaks, people listen! |
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| Akins teachers show their college spirit. |
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| Just one of the pictures Vince Young took with fans after the event. |
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| Vince Young and Dr. Akins -- an inspirational duo. |
