Friday, April 29th
Virtual Conference: 10:00 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
Youth Power Hour in Austin: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
This is a Free Event
Young Invincibles is excited to convene our 2nd Missed Connections Summit, exploring the disconnect between higher education and workforce opportunities. Postsecondary students, organizations, leaders, and community members will join for pivotal discussions surrounding the cost of attendance, work-based learning and apprenticeships, and student support systems for young people in Texas.
Our young adult-led event will include a hybrid model of virtual educational opportunities, fun games, and presentations, closing with our in-person Youth Power Hour in Austin!
College Affordability: The High Cost Of Attendance
10:10am – 10:50am
The rising cost of tuition and living expenses has lengthened time to graduation and created an over-reliance on student loans. This session will explore the links between completion and student debt, rooted in young adult experiences while examining relevant state policy solutions.
11:00am – 11:40am
During this session, young people will come together to discuss the latest with the Texas Commission on Community College Finance, and the ways that student voices are helping this effort. We will hear from a panel of students on the newly created Texas Community College Student Advisory Council, who will introduce the work they are starting and share ways to get involved.
Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning
1:00pm – 1:40pm
Apprenticeships are ‘earn-as-you-learn’ opportunities that combine paid employment with on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Current and former apprentices will engage in a pointed discussion about ways to expand equity in Registered Apprenticeship, lifting policy recommendations from YI’s latest report Women in the Workforce: Building a Path to Apprenticeship in Texas.
2:00pm – 2:40pm
The pandemic has exacerbated economic and racial disparities among today’s students. Hear reflections and recommendations from students on creating higher education policy in a pandemic world.
Youth Power Hour
Central District Brewing 417 Red River St Austin, TX 78701
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Young people are not just the future of Texas, we are the present – and it’s time our state reflected that. Join us for an evening of cocktails and continued conversation on higher education and civic engagement.
