As we move into the new year, The Austin Project would like to take the opportunity to highlight the progression of one of our major initiatives: the Middle School Parent Transition Initiative. The Parent Transition Initiative (PTI) is designed to address parents’ concerns about the transitions their kids will experience as they move from elementary school to middle school and from childhood to adolescence.

These transitions can be difficult, particularly for economically and socially disadvantaged youth, and can be accompanied by behavioral problems and a drop in academic performance. At the same time, research shows that 1) parent and school connectedness can help protect kids from risk behaviors and help them do better in school, and 2) youth who have positive, supportive relationships at home and with their peers double their chances of achieving optimal developmental outcomes by the end of high school. The Parent Transition Initiative, then, is designed to foster both parent and school connectedness and supportive relationships — and in doing so, to make the transition to middle school a positive experience for students. Continue reading →

The Austin Project extends its warmest thanks to everyone who was able to join us for the Rostow Awards Dinner last Thursday, and to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it all together. It was our great pleasure to have Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo as our emcee (we’re sorry about your tie!) and we were thrilled to have Jerry Jeff Walker join us for a surprise performance. Most of all, we were honored to present our Leadership Award to Paul Carrozza and our Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Stephen Kinslow; the great turnout for this event and the videos carefully put together by friends and colleagues allowed us to see firsthand what an inspiration these two community leaders have been within their respective fields of fitness and education.

We have many people to thank individually in the days to come, but in the meantime please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your support. Thanks to your generosity, TAP will be able to continue its efforts to strengthen families, improve education, and promote early literacy.