As legislators grapple with  educational funding, school choice, standardized tests, graduation requirements and a host of programs affecting Texas education outcomes in the 83^rd Legislative Session, we offer a review of ten Forefront Austin stories that feature unique education programs in Central Texas. The stories spotlight nonprofit, education and corporate ideas that are improving educational outcomes for Central Texas — and may provide food for thought as Texas Legislators grapple with ways to ensure today's students are prepared to meet tomorrow's demands.

Arts, Environmental Projects Help Engage Students as Leaders, Problem Solvers
As the world becomes more connected, Central Texas businesses increasingly want to hire workers with critical thinking skills, leadership ability and an understanding of different cultures. But are schools that teach memorization and multiple-choice answers going to help students become critical thinkers? Read how Creative Action and EcoRise Youth Innovations are teaching children how to develop strategies and solutions for complex problems. Read Story>>

Riding the Wave from Science Class to Learning Lab
In the coming decade, Central Texas is poised to see a leap in jobs that require STEM skills — science, technology, engineering and math. Yet, international tests show that U.S. students lag behind children in other countries when it comes to math and science knowledge. Samsung Austin Semiconductor is working to provide project-based curriculum and technological tools to Central Texas students to help build a labor force for the 21st century. Read Story>>

Support Networks Help Keep Students on Path to Higher Education
More than half of Texas students are considered economically disadvantaged. Students from low-income families are less likely to receive guidance at home about navigating high school classes, getting into college and applying for financial aid. In Central Texas, Breakthrough Austin and Con Mi MADRE are providing mentorship and guidance to help students succeed in middle school, high school and beyond. Read Story>>

The Great Outdoors Becomes a Classroom
Beyond giving children a chance to burn off energy, time spent in nature can teach problem-solving, leadership and communication. Yet many children are missing out on the opportunity to develop these critical skills as they spend more time indoors using electronic devices. Learn how Keep Austin Beautiful and Explore Austin are using the outdoors to help children develop the knowledge they will need for tomorrow’s workplace. Read Story>>

A Love of Reading Begins Before Kindergarten
Children living in poverty are less likely to have access to books and to have parents who read to them regularly, and the poverty rate is growing in Central Texas. These children begin school already behind their peers on literacy skills, and they rarely catch up. H-E-B’s Read 3 Program is working to ensure that all children have books at home and parents who nurture the love of reading that leads to success in school and in life. Read Story>>

What Assets to Texas Youth Need to Succeed?
Daydream with a child... catch him doing something right... build something with her. These are a few of the 40 Developmental Assets – a tool used by an increasing number of youth-oriented groups to help young people grow into caring, responsible and successful adults. Forefront Austin talks to leaders at LifeWorks and The First Tee of Greater Austin about how they put these Developmental Assets to work. Read Story>>

Founders Vision Maps the Future
The founders of St. Michael's Catholic Academy brought their vision for academic excellence, faith formation and co-curricular opportunities to life 28 years ago. Today SMCA provides college preparatory skills to a diverse population through programs based in proven research and practical approaches. Learn more here about how SMCA’s values correspond to the findings of the Search Institute’s List of Developmental Assets. Read Story>>

At El Buen It take a Classroom to Raise a Familia
Kids got you climbing the walls? At El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission, parents and their kids climb a real rock wall. Find out how this group's innovative, multi-faceted approach helps forge stronger families that can succeed in our community. Read Story>>

Exploring New Horizons, in Cheering-and Changing Lives "If you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?" asks the song. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area have some answers: discover how their after-school programs help kids form new interests, set goals and figure out how to reach them. Read Story>>

Turning on the Future Workforce of Girls
Tomorrow’s CEOs, senators and entrepreneurs are wearing Girl Scout uniforms today. Discover how the Girl Scouts of Central Texas are taking part in a national program to develop the leadership our nation needs for sustainable success. Read story and watch videos now>>