All eyes were on the future of Texas in the Phoenix Ballroom of Austin’s Doubletree Hotel on June 16. The event— the P-16 Councils Institute, hosted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board— brought together council members and education thought leaders from throughout the state. The focus: new ideas and innovative programs that can shape a bright future for all students.

In attendance were members of the AMS Education and Public Interest team. The daylong institute showcased forward-looking state and regional initiatives, including parent and community engagement programs, teacher career awareness programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives, and a preview of a new statewide college and career readiness marketing campaign. All these projects, and many others, are laying the groundwork for successful students and lots of promise for tomorrow’s Texas.