The Texas OnCourse Educator Blog

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On September 8, we hosted a session showcasing the latest updates and features to the ApplyTexas Applicant Portal and Counselor Suite. Christy Manouelian, Program Manager of the ApplyTexas Applicant Portal, highlighted updates to the school search experience, which include only displaying schools that offer the student’s application type. Cintia Morales, Program Manager of the ApplyTexas Counselor Suite, copresented with Evelyn Denson, Product Manager of ApplyTexas, on new Counselor Suite updates that provide streamlined tools and important data to counselors.

The Form is Not the Barrier: Addressing Financial Aid Misconceptions Before They Become Enrollment Decisions  

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On August 11, we hosted a session showcasing how My Texas Future and Direct Admissions are reimagining college and career exploration with students and families. Katy Sombito, Program Manager of My Texas Future and Direct Admissions at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), highlighted important platform features in My Texas Future and provided information on the new Direct Admissions graduation requirement for the 26–27 school year. We also had Joanna Hernandez, Teacher and College and Career Advisor at Tornillo High School, join our session to provide a brief overview of how My Texas Future has become the foundation of her school’s college and career curriculum.

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On May 12, we hosted a session celebrating our My Texas Future Schools of Excellence. Brandon Griggs, Assistant Commissioner of College and Career Advising at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), conducted a roundtable discussion with representatives from each School of Excellence, where they provided strategies for implementing My Texas Future on campuses. We also celebrated all the schools that participated in the recognition program and thanked them for sharing My Texas Future with their students.

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On April 14, we hosted a fascinating session exploring military pathways. Scholarship and Enrollment Officer Omar Cruz from The University of Texas at Austin guided attendees through enlistment options – including U.S. Army Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard – and highlighted opportunities to serve while pursuing college. He also discussed scholarship benefits available through the U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

Technical Sergeant Joshua Schlegel of the United States Air Force also joined us to share how service members can build meaningful careers in the air force while accessing valuable education and training benefits.

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On March 10, we hosted an informational session focused on how educators can use statewide data tools to support student outcomes and strengthen college and career advising.  Sharon Wong from the THECB shared information on the Texas Talent Trajectory (T3) Dashboard, TEA’s Katie Jubert offered key details on the college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) tracker and how it can verify internal data, and TxCAN’s Kendra Strange highlighted three interactive public data dashboards that give educators insights on FAFSA completion and direct-to-college enrollments.   

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

Hello, educators! On February 10, we hosted an engaging and informative session highlighting the Texas Transfer Framework and community college resources from Austin Community College (ACC). Staff from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and ACC shared insights on how these tools support student success across the state. Special guest Dr. Wynn Rosser, Commissioner and CEO of the THECB, provided an overview of how the THECB is expanding the reach of higher education in Texas, including tools for students and families to make data-informed decisions about what comes next in their educational journeys.   

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

Hello, educators! On November 18, we hosted an engaging session showcasing the new and refreshed Texas OnCourse Academy. THECB’s Jamie Bell and Samantha Gonzalez walked us through updated competencies, modules, and interactives, and shared helpful tips and resources to enhance your Academy experience.    

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

Hello, educators! On October 14, we hosted an engaging informational session packed with helpful updates and resources on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Jasmine Tejeda from uAspire shared insights on the latest FAFSA changes, while THECB’s Giselle Martinez walked attendees through dependent student scenarios for the TASFA and offered practical tips to help educators better support students and families through the financial aid process.  

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

Hello, educators! On September 9, we hosted an inspiring session highlighting how My Texas Future and Direct Admissions are helping students take charge of their postsecondary journeys. Daniela Carrillo from THECB joined us to share insights on My Texas Future’s core values and spotlight key toolslike the Career Explorer, which allows users to explore over 1,000 job titles by career name, cluster, salary range, and more!This is our session recap: