Spotlight On
Texas
rootEd expanded to Texas in 2020 and is serving 41 rural schools in the 2025-2026 academic year, particularly in East Texas, West Central Texas, and the Coastal Bend.
Our Texas Partners
“Approximately two thirds of jobs that pay a living wage require some type of education or training beyond high school. Workforce Solutions and rootEd Alliance are committed to making meaningful improvements in rural student outcomes by increasing postsecondary enrollment and successful transition into quality careers for students from our partner high schools.”
— Mary Ross, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
About Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas is committed to strengthening the economic vitality across our 19-county region by investing in the success of residents and businesses. Workforce Solutions offers a broad range of services to meet the needs of employers, support jobs and training for individuals, and develop quality career and education pathways for students. Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas’s mission is to advance business-driven solutions that promote economic growth, opportunity and a skilled workforce, and oversees programs designed to ensure the businesses in their 19-county region remain competitive, that workers have the opportunity to obtain skills that will help them become or remain self-sufficient, and that our communities are economically resilient.
“Region One Education Service Center is proud to partner with rootEd Alliance to continue expanding college readiness opportunities to youth throughout our region. Guidance and exposure to current high in-demand career fields and programs give our future professionals the experience and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen career. Through our Office of College, Career & Life Readiness we aim to equip our youth with up to date advising that will ensure they reach their life-long goals and maximum potential.”
— Dr. Daniel P. King, Executive Director, Region One Education Service Center
About Region One Education Service Center
Region One Education Service Center serves students and educators in seven county areas in deep South Texas including Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata Counties. Region One works to assist school districts to improve student performance, operate more efficiently and economically, and implement initiatives assigned by the legislature or the Texas Commissioner of Education.
"As Executive Director of Education to Employment Partners (E2E), I’m proud to partner with the rootEd Alliance to serve students across the Coastal Bend region of South Texas. At E2E, we believe every student deserves access to high-quality education and meaningful career opportunities—no matter where they live. Together with rootEd, we’re empowering rural high schools by placing dedicated postsecondary advisors on campus to work one-on-one with every student, helping them discover their passions, set goals, and build bright futures—whether their path leads to college, the workforce, or military service."
— Ann Vlach, Executive Director, Education to Employment Partners
About Education to Employment Partners
Education to Employment Partners (E2E) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving educational attainment and career development across the Coastal Bend region of South Texas. Guided by its mission—connecting people, resources, information, and services to improve educational attainment and career development in the Coastal Bend—E2E brings together educators, employers, and community leaders to create opportunities for success. E2E develops youth and adult initiatives, provides professional development for educators, leads education and workforce forums, and builds programs that foster postsecondary achievement and career readiness. Inspired by its vision—inspiring success and shaping a better future for all—E2E is committed to strengthening pathways from education to employment for every learner in the region.
“Kilgore College has an excellent partnership with rootEd Alliance to help rural East Texans reach their full potential. We appreciate the dedicated funding, training, and support rootEd Alliance has provided to enable us to reach those who need the most help in learning about educational and career opportunities.”
— Dr. Staci Martin, Interim President, Kilgore College
About Kilgore College
Kilgore College is a public community college in Kilgore, Texas. Kilgore provides a student-centered environment that focuses on student access, success and completion through partnerships with area high schools, universities, and businesses.
Natalie’s Story
