Austin Partners in Education, Bridging the Gap to Improve Student Success

 According to the U.S. Department of Education, high school seniors from low-income families drop out of high school at six times the rate of their peers from high-income families. But there’s good news and an immediate way to make a positive impact for kids: become a mentor with Austin Partners in Education! Studies show that adult involvement improves not only reading and enjoyment but also attitudes about school, participation in extracurricular activities, outlook on the future and, in the end, a child’s chance of continuing education. Ready to make a difference? Become a mentor or volunteer with Austin Partners in Education. APIE has mentoring opportunities available at any school and any grade within Austin ISD. You can join Sam as a mentor at McCallum High School or become a mentor at a school near you!

Focusing on Austin ISD’s schools located in under-resourced communities and serving predominantly economically disadvantaged students, Austin Partners in Education delivers innovative, volunteer-driven academic and mentoring programs. APIE’s 1,550 volunteers work with students at pivotal junctures in their education, providing a vital extension of academic and social/emotional support to students. Through the flagship Classroom Coaching program, students benefit from small group (3:1 or below) instruction from volunteers drawn from more than 200 Austin area government agencies, businesses and community organizations.

 Currently, APIE is implementing the following programs:

• Middle School Math Classroom Coaching: Volunteers in the classroom work weekly with students to build a strong foundation in middle school math, putting them on track to succeed in high school algebra.
• College Readiness: College Readiness Advocates provide tutoring and college access mentoring to prepare students for college-level coursework.
• Mentoring (all grades): Volunteers work one-on-one with students during the school day to help students improve their social and study skills, strengthen their communication skills, and build self-confidence.

Sam Dowd, Dr. Cathy Jones and Wendi Gordon Austin Partners In Education 2019 spring donor luncheon.

Sam and Grace Dowd with APIE volunteers at the APIE Picnic in June 2019.

Sam and Grace knocked out the 2019 Austin half marathon in 1:50! They ran as part of the Austin Gives Miles program raising money and awareness for Austin Partners In Education

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