ALT Region One ESC and partners to launch state-wide TX FAFSA Challenge to boost application completion. ________________________________________ Media Advisory Contact: Annette S. Garcia, Director 956.984.6011 angarcia@esc1.net EDINBURG – Leaders from across the region are coming together to encourage high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and take advantage of billions of funds available in financial aid. The Region One Education Service Center, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Regional Bank, Educate Texas, RGV Focus have created the TX FAFSA Challenge to encourage the other 19 education service centers across the state to support the initiative to increase the percentage of FAFSA completions among the Class of 2023. Special remarks from TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez as well as leaders from the partner organizations will kick-off the challenge at the Region One Conference Center on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10:00 am.

ALT The goal is to increase the percentage of students who complete the FAFSA from the 2021-2022 cycle year. Ensuring access to funding for affordable education after high school supports students in making their career dreams a reality and filling in-demand industry positions across the state. Students can use financial aid to help pay for education after high school by enrolling at a community college, university or career school. A completed FAFSA determines eligibility for federal, state and organization-based funding such as grants, work-study and loans that help college or career school be more affordable. Texas is one of the numerous states across the nation including California, Florida and New York to support a state-wide initiative to boost FAFSA completion rates. Where: • Region One ESC Conference Center • 1900 W. Schunior, Edinburg, TX 78541 When: • Thursday, November 10, 2022 • 10:00 am – 11 am

ALT Photos of Texas Workforce Commissioners Aaron Demerson and Julian Alvarez at the Texas Interns Unite event. Photos contain the Commissioners, partners, and the interns who attended the event. Centerpiece photo is a group shot of the interns in attendance holding the Texas Interns Unite logo.

ALT Group of about 20 adults standing in front of a brick building, dressed for winter.

ALT The future of the workforce task force meets at Harvard University in February of 2019 to talk about the future of the workforce for individuals with disabilities

ALT Members of the SEED team at CSG

ALT Dina speaking with microphone in front of Council of State Governments backdrop