IDRA is engaging with families across Bexar County who will identify college-going barriers and influence school district decisions to remove barriers so that more students can go to college.
IDRA’s project is part of the Future Ready Bexar County initiative to significantly increase the number of San Antonio students who are prepared for, apply to and successfully enroll in college. Through this project, IDRA is applying its proven IDRA Education CAFE™ model to mobilize families, students and community partners in supporting college access and success.
IDRA Education CAFEs are community-based groups of parents, guardians, students and allies who meet regularly to examine barriers and collaborate with schools by designing projects that strengthen college pathways.
IDRA will train school district and community outreach leaders who will support families to become informed advocates who influence education decisions in their districts. New IDRA Education CAFEs will launch intergenerational capstone projects, combining the perspectives of youth and adults to identify college-going barriers, such as limited advising or inequitable access to dual-credit programs, and to propose concrete solutions. Families and students will lead the work by conducting surveys, hosting focus groups and presenting their findings to schools and community leaders.
Families will share their findings at PTA meetings, school boards and civic forums with families and students spotlighting barriers and recommending reforms. As families gain confidence, districts will begin to document and implement practice shifts driven by this community voice. Sustained alumni leadership will ensure that the work continues, with IDRA Education CAFE™ members serving on advisory councils and task forces shaping ongoing improvements to college access.
This project is made possible by a grant from the Future Ready Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation. The goal of Future Ready Bexar County is to increase postsecondary enrollment of Bexar County high school graduates in a degree or credential program from 52% in 2022 to 70% by 2030.
Success Measures
Family Engagement: Outreach leaders will launch seven IDRA Education CAFEs, involving families meeting monthly.
Capstone Projects: Each IDRA Education CAFE™ will complete a project, conducting surveys and hosting focus groups to identify college access barriers and solutions.
Leadership Impact: Youth and families will deliver at public presentations to community members.
Knowledge Gains: Pre- and post-surveys will track a 25% increase in families’ self-confidence about education policies.
School District Change: Advocacy by families will lead to documented shifts in procedures (family engagement roles, budget allocations, etc.).
Sustained Presence: IDRA Education CAFE™ alumni will serve on advisory councils to continue shaping college access reforms.
Contact Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., for more information (aurelio.montemayor@idra.org).
