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One consistent, caring adult can profoundly change a young person’s life. Research consistently demonstrates that students who experience at least one stable, supportive adult relationship tend to show stronger school engagement, clearer goal-setting, and more confidence envisioning their future.
That’s why UP Partnership and its network of more than 100 cross-sector partners are utilizing the Future Ready Bexar County Plan to build a stronger, more equitable advising ecosystem — one grounded in relationships, aligned practices and shared accountability.
This spring, Future Ready nonprofit partners — Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, Girl’s Inc., Lemonade Circle, and Students of Service — teamed up with East Central ISD to pilot Advising Days at Heritage and Legacy Middle Schools.
These organizations were selected because of their existing, trusted relationships with students and staff in the district. Together, they created a space for students to explore their goals, strengths, and future pathways — with the guidance of a caring adult.
These sessions ensured that 100% of seventh grade students in the district’s two middle schools had a one-on-one touchpoint with a supportive adult.
“By 2036, over 70% of Texas jobs will require a postsecondary credential, according to Texas 2036. Yet only 56% of Bexar County’s Class of 2023 enrolled in a program after graduation, per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Closing this gap requires more than awareness — it demands guidance and steady support,” said Briana Hagelgans, Ed.D., Director of K12 and Postsecondary at UP Partnership.
Hagelgans, alongside East Central ISD’s advising team, coordinated the cross-sector partners behind the pilot — an example of the collaboration the Future Ready Bexar County Plan seeks to strengthen across a variety of sectors.
“We’re reimagining advising by starting early and grounding it in relationships — efforts like this are key to reaching our Future Ready North Star goal of 70% postsecondary enrollment by 2030,” added Hagelgans.
Through career-focused conversations, volunteers from partner organizations helped students reflect on their strengths, set goals, and explore future possibilities.
“This experience highlighted for me the importance of students having access to trusted adults for advising conversations. It reminded me that young people are eager to talk about their future when given the space to be heard,” said Michelle Garcia, Program Manager at Students of Service. “The effort was unique in that it brought together a diverse group of non-profit providers along with a school in order to meet student needs better than one organization could on their own. This was an important first step in what could become an impactful ongoing collaboration.”
Early feedback showed strong results: students reported more confidence in their goals, a better understanding of their strengths, and meaningful conversations.
“I loved talking and sharing my purpose and goals as a person, and I want to do more of this in the future,” said one student who was advised at Heritage Middle School in an anonymous survey from the event.
A Legacy Middle School student added, “I would want to do this again because it helps me think more clearly about what career path I want to pursue.”
Student voice from the pilot underscores the power of advising when it’s personal, consistent and rooted in strong relationships.
Yet, for many students, that level of support isn’t always guaranteed.
Across the region, access to quality advising varies depending on a student’s school, neighborhood, or connection to supportive adults — resulting in missed opportunities and a lack of confidence in navigating life after high school.
Closing these gaps starts with understanding what makes advising truly effective:
It starts early: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) emphasizes starting advising in middle school to help students make informed academic and career choices. Early guidance shapes what students see as possible and helps them begin planning for their future.
It breaks down barriers: The TEA also highlights the role of advising in helping students make sense of complex decisions — from choosing between a certification or degree to understanding financial aid—ensuring they aren’t navigating these systems alone.
It expands access: The Texas College Access Network (TXCAN) affirms that advising connects all students — regardless of background — to the guidance and resources needed to explore postsecondary pathways, especially for those without access to college-educated role models or mentors.
It fosters connection: A 2023 study by Future Ready partner IDRA found that advising gaps in Texas schools limit students’ access to supportive adults — underscoring the value of consistent relationships that keep students engaged and resilient.
That’s why Future Ready partners are strengthening Bexar County’s advising ecosystem through the Unified Advising Guide — ensuring students have consistent support, strong relationships, and clear pathways to success.
By aligning practices and equipping adults across sectors, this county-wide effort empowers every adult to support students along their journey.
Within the next three years, broader components of the work will include:
Training adults across sectors: Research and guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) emphasize the importance of equipping adults — both in and out of school — with aligned tools and shared language to provide high-quality, consistent advising to all students.
Establishing shared practices throughout the community: Statewide frameworks such as the Effective Advising Framework and TEA-aligned best practices support the use of clear milestones, common language, and student-centered tools to ensure that advising is coherent and impactful no matter where a student seeks support.
Centering relationships and student voice: Studies from organizations like the IDRA highlight the need for relationship-driven advising approaches that build trust and elevate student voice as a key component of effective postsecondary planning.
This pilot is just one example of how Bexar County is contributing to a national movement. At a recent convening by the Institute for Success Planning, leaders emphasized the importance of relationship-centered strategies and storytelling to scale advising solutions across the country.
This initial pilot at East Central ISD offered a glimpse of what’s possible when schools and community partners come together to surround students with consistent, caring guidance.
Join us in building a stronger advising ecosystem across Bexar County. If you’re a school, nonprofit, or community leader, visit uppartnership.org to explore partnership opportunities and help ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive.
