Rural school systems have the passion and dedication, but not always the resources, to improve college, career, and military-readiness outcomes and successful postsecondary transitions for their high school students. For this reason, the Texas Impact Network launched the Rural CCMR Accelerator Program in 2020, extending expert coaching and student support services to select rural Texas school systems and building a network of rural school systems focused on common goals.
36 school systems have already participated, and applications have opened for third cohort of 20 more. One of the members of the initial Accelerator cohort was Rio Hondo ISD in deep South Texas. "You can almost feel like you're on an island when you're in a rural school district," said Rio Hondo Supt. Raul Treviño. "By being a part of the Rural CCMR Accelerator program, it helps to talk with people who are coming across those same issues."
Treviño's hard work, combined with the support provided by partner organizations such as MAYA Consulting, rootEd Alliance, SureScore, CareerCraft, and OnRamps, led to real results for the students he serves. Last school year, Rio Hondo high school seniors achieved a 100% rate of financial aid completion, nearly doubling the amount students meeting this critical benchmark in just one year.
"We have to keep elevating our expectations for students," Treviño continued. "It's not just about what we've done, but what is the next step in this process of providing every single possible opportunity for our students to be successful in this global economy."
Applications open now until Nov. 30. Applicants will be informed of a decision by Dec. 16. For more information, watch the video below, and sign up for an information session:
