Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities
In the bustling heart of Tarrant County, Texas, a remarkable partnership is taking shape – one that is poised to redefine the landscape of educational attainment and career readiness. The Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership, a collaborative initiative backed by the unwavering support of JPMorganChase, is on a mission to ensure that more students not only access post-secondary education but also complete it, ultimately equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s workforce.
As Natalie Young Williams, the Executive Director of T3, eloquently states, “Our mission is to ensure that more students not only access post-secondary education but also complete it. We provide scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, and one-on-one college and career advising to help students navigate their educational journeys. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for successful careers and to contribute to a thriving local economy.”
The significance of this milestone cannot be overstated. Natalie Williams, the visionary leader at the helm of T3, emphasizes the importance of the partnership’s first four-year graduating class, stating, “T3’s first four-year graduating class is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and partners. This milestone is a clear indicator of the success we can replicate and build upon in the coming years. It proves that our strategies are working and that we are on the right path to significantly improving educational outcomes in our community.”
Bridging the Education Gap
The T3 Partnership was created to address a pressing challenge facing Tarrant County: the educational divide. According to the data, less than 40% of adults in the county have an associate degree or higher, yet more than 70% of Texas jobs will require a postsecondary credential by 2036. This alarming gap underscores the urgency for action, and the T3 Partnership is at the forefront of bridging this divide.
At the heart of the T3 initiative is a commitment to providing comprehensive support to students, ensuring they have the resources, tools, and guidance necessary to navigate the complex landscape of post-secondary education and career planning. From scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities to personalized college and career advising, the T3 team is dedicated to empowering students and unlocking their full potential.
Empowering Students Through Pathways to Careers
One of the key strategies employed by the T3 Partnership is the Pathways to Careers (P2C) platform, a game-changing initiative designed to demystify the college and career planning process for students and their families. As Natalie Williams explains, “The T3 Pathways to Careers (P2C) platform is designed to demystify the college and career planning process. It provides students with a clear view of various credential and career options and the steps needed to achieve them. It will help students explore different career paths and understand their future potential earnings, making them better informed as they pursue industry-based credentials, degrees, and certifications.”
The platform’s bilingual approach is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures that Spanish-speaking families are equally empowered to support their children’s career aspirations. By launching this comprehensive resource, the T3 Partnership aims to reach an impressive 40,000 students and families annually, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their educational and professional journeys.
JPMorganChase’s Commitment to Educational Initiatives
The transformative work of the T3 Partnership would not be possible without the steadfast support of its community partners, most notably JPMorganChase. Over the past four years, the bank has invested an impressive $3.75 million into the initiative, underscoring its belief in the power of education to drive economic mobility and strengthen local communities.
As Phillip Wiginton, JPMorganChase’s North Texas Market Leader, explains, “We believe that investing in education is investing in the future. By supporting organizations like T3, we are helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy. Education is a key driver of economic mobility, and by providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are not only helping individuals but also strengthening our communities.”
The impact of JPMorganChase’s investment is tangible, as evidenced by the significant progress made by the T3 Partnership. Natalie Williams shares, “JPMorganChase’s investment has allowed us to expand our reach and provide more comprehensive support to our students. For instance, college application submissions from Tarrant County students have nearly doubled, and over 4,000 T3 Scholars have enrolled at one of our eight partner colleges and universities.”
Building a Thriving Local Economy
The T3 Partnership’s vision extends far beyond individual student success; it aims to transform the very fabric of the Tarrant County community. Natalie Williams articulates this bold aspiration, stating, “My hope is that every student in Tarrant County has the opportunity to pursue their dreams without barriers. I want to see more students not just enrolling in postsecondary programs but completing them and entering the workforce with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”
By bridging the education gap and empowering students to achieve their full potential, the T3 Partnership is poised to create a ripple effect that will reverberate throughout the local economy. As more students obtain post-secondary credentials and enter the workforce with the necessary skills, the region will witness a surge in economic vitality, with businesses and industries thriving on the strength of a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Opportunities to Get Involved
The T3 Partnership recognizes that community engagement is essential to its success, and the organization has outlined several ways for individuals and businesses to get involved. Natalie Williams encourages companies to post entry-level job opportunities or sponsor a career cluster on the P2C platform, as this direct industry presence can help students visualize the connection between their academic pursuits and tangible job opportunities.
For individual donors, the opportunity to contribute to the T3 Scholars’ first-dollar scholarship program is a meaningful way to provide students with the resources they need to thrive in college. Additionally, community members can join the T3 Impact Network, lending their time and expertise to strengthen the education-to-workforce ecosystem.
As the T3 Partnership continues to forge ahead, its impact on Tarrant County is undeniable. Through the unwavering support of partners like JPMorganChase and the dedication of its talented team, the initiative is poised to transform the lives of students, families, and the community as a whole. By bridging the education gap and empowering the next generation, the T3 Partnership is not only securing the future of Tarrant County but also setting an inspiring example for communities across the nation.
