June Connections: Supporting Students Through Summer Melt
Hello educator,
Summer is the perfect time to refresh and refocus on college and career readiness. This month, we’re exploring resources in the Texas OnCourse Academy that can give you tools to prevent the postgraduation issue known as summer melt. Whether your seniors are pursuing post-secondary pathways or going straight into the workforce, our resources can help you support their transition after high school.
Learn strategies to help students reduce summer melt and stay on track with their postsecondary plans. This handout explores common causes of summer melt, including information overload and a lack of support. It also provides actionable interventions to help students successfully transition into college or a career after graduation.
Implement advising practices that let students apply academic and critical thinking skills to career exploration and individual student planning. This handout benefits students entering the workforce, encouraging them to develop effective relationships and essential workplace skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Gain advising strategies to help your students progress from high school to college. This resource provides guidance on advising early graduates, on-track students, and those who may be undecided about their postsecondary path.
End of Year Survey: Professional Learning Series
We’ve had a wonderful year connecting with educators across Texas through the 2025–2026 Professional Learning Series. As we plan for the next school year, your input is essential. Complete our quick, five-minute survey to share the topics and supports you’d like to see in the 2026–2027 school year and help us continue delivering digital learning opportunities that make a difference in your work with students and families.
Mark your calendars forThursday, June 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. (CDT) for the Texas OnCourse Academy Learning Community’s Conversation with Colleagues. During this end-of-year Spotlight Session, educators will connect to celebrate wins, share impactful resources, and reflect on lessons learned throughout the year. Participation is available to Academy Learning Community members, and a Zoom invitation will be sent directly to those enrolled in the community.
ACT’s American College Application Campaign is partnering with College Essay Guy this summer to offer a free workshop to help students get started on their college personal statement. During this workshop, students will learn to do the following:
Understand what makes a strong personal statement
Discover ways to find meaningful essay topics and stories
Start brainstorming ideas they can turn into a full draft later
Encourage your students to join this session and build momentum on essays that can support their college, scholarship, or job applications.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. (CDT)
Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow Career & Technical Education Conference 2026
Join Texas OnCourse’s Senior Network Coordinator Lauren Discher and Implementation Coordinator Jasmine Paiz at the Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow: CTE Conference in El Paso, Texas, for the session Reimagining Tomorrow’s Workforce with My Texas Future.The team will showcase how My Texas Future and Direct Admissions are transforming college and career exploration for middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. Attendees will learn how the platform’s streamlined process and regional workforce data provide students with meaningful insights into credential requirements and trends in job growth and salaries. The session will also highlight recent platform updates and new tools, and how both can help with the upcoming graduation requirement.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m.—1:50 p.m. (MDT)
Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) Summer Conference
The Texas OnCourse team is also presenting at the CTAT Summer Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, at the session My Texas Future and Direct Admissions: Igniting Meaningful Change. Lauren Discher and Jasmine Paiz will share how My Texas Future can help your students chart their postsecondary path with Direct Admissions and make informed decisions about careers with the Skills and Interests Quizzes. They’ll also discuss new platform features, upcoming graduation requirements, and practical strategies for integrating the My Texas Future tools into CTE programs to improve student planning and outcomes.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m. (CDT)
My Texas Future Recognition Program
The My Texas Future Recognition Program had an amazing first year celebrating the schools that implemented My Texas Future on their campuses. Thank you again to everyone who joined the program this school year!
As we look ahead to the next school year, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. Schools recognized during the 2025–2026 school year will have the opportunity to earn recognition again in the 2026–2027 school year. Looking to get a head start? Click below to become recognized and receive your My Texas Future promotional materials this summer!
The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) reports that more students than ever are completing the FAFSA. With record-setting completion rates nationwide and strong participation in Texas, this milestone reflects the positive impact of efforts to connect students with financial aid resources. Read the NCAN article to see how FAFSA completion trends support students' plans after high school.
ADVi Corner
Recent phone carrier updates aimed at reducing spam are blocking some messages from unknown numbers or filtering them into an unknown sender folder. To ensure your students receive ADVi’s texts, remind them to save ADVi as a contact in their phones. This quick step can make a big difference in keeping messages visible and ensuring that students don’t miss important reminders during the critical summer months.
Forward to a Colleague!
Forward the Texas OnCourse Network Newsletter to your colleagues for the latest college and career planning resources, expert insights, and important updates delivered straight to your inbox. Join our community of educators and counselors empowering students for success!
