Texas Baptists to host Hispanic Education Fair in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – In an effort to provide resources and motivation for Hispanic students to excel in education, Texas Baptists is holding the Educate Texas Hispanic Education Fair at Life Church of San Antonio on June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch for the first 250 registrants will be free.

“The goal of this day is to provide training and resources for parents and students to help students reach their full educational potential,” said Gabriel Cortes, director of Texas Baptists’ Hispanic Education Initiative and coordinator of the event.

While the Hispanic high school dropout rate has decreased significantly in the past few years, from 32 percent in 2000 to 12 percent in 2014, the number of Hispanics obtaining a four-year degree is lower than other peer groups, according to Pew Research. Cortes said the fair will focus on keys to educational success from preschool through college, with an emphasis on students obtaining four-year degrees.

One-hour workshops are offered for parents of preschool, elementary, middle and high school-aged students. A special three-hour seminar is available for parents of seniors to provide information on financial aid, college application processes, class rank, GPAs and many other planning aspects for the coming year.

A track of workshops is also available for middle, high school and college students, to provide practical tips for educational success at their grade-level.

College scholarships of $1,000 will also be awarded on the day of the fair. Applications will be available online and should be submitted the morning of the event. After review by a screening committee, scholarship recipients will be selected and awarded at the closing ceremony.

Fabian Ramirez, an anti-bullying speaker and drug prevention specialist based out of Austin, is the featured speaker for the event. Ramirez has worked with middle school and high school students since the age of 18. Now 35, he leads seminars and speaks at conferences across the country, motivating students to finish high school and pursue higher education.

Throughout the day, an exhibit hall with resources will also be accessible for parents and students.

“We want to start young, through programs like Raising Highly Capable Kids, and help parents and students to think long-term about Hispanic education,” Cortes said.

For more information on the Hispanic Education Fair, visit www.educatetexas.org or call 214-887-5426.