About Me

This dynamic panel features students sharing their firsthand experiences and insights on higher education in Texas. Panelists include students who have experienced unique student success programming, including the Texas Leadership Scholars Program. Together, they discuss how Texas higher education is meeting their needs, the challenges they face, and what improvements they believe are necessary for future student success.  

College of the Mainland student Elias Ramirez testified before the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee on March 23, 2023, in support of Senate Bill 2539 (SB 2539). Ramirez is a member of the Student Advisory Council, a program organized and supported by The Education Trust in Texas, Young Invincibles, Every Texan, and Breakthrough Central Texas as a joint initiative of the Texas Postsecondary Advocates Coalition for Equity (TX PACE).  Ramirez highlights his experience as a low-income student struggling to secure funds to cover textbooks and other class materials. He shares how SB 2539 would ensure small community colleges like his would benefit from a base level of funding to ensure student retention, completion, and success. "The Education Trust"

The TELB is made up of young people who have lived experience in systems and who have also faced disconnection from school or work. Throughout a 12-month term, TELB members advise on the creation of better pathways to career and academic success for systems-impacted youth and young adults. "Texas Network on Youth Services"

In April 2022, community college students and community college alumni from across Texas were selected for the new Texas Community College Student Advisory Council (SAC). The SAC followed the work of the Commission, provided feedback and recommendations, and engaged directly with Commission members. SAC members sessions focused on storytelling, policy analysis, media training, legislative training, advocacy, and more. "The Young Invincibles"

This collaborative initiative, supported by Young Invincibles, EdTrust in Texas and Breakthrough Central Texas, empowers student leaders to drive policy change in community college education. The Council’s student members are a diverse group, including first-generation college students, student-parents, student government leaders, and individuals from various races, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. They’ll convene regularly throughout the year to advocate for student-centric policies. "The Young Invincibles" 

AmeriCorps is a great organization that volunteers with us. We appreciate Elias talking for a moment with us during their volunteer opportunity. We greatly appreciate the support we receive from our volunteers! "Galveston County Food Bank"

“Making higher education affordable and accessible will provide crucial opportunities for my peers and the next generation to advance not only their careers but their lives and the livelihood of their families,” said Elias Ramirez, a student at College of the Mainland and member of the Student Advisory Council. "The Every Texan"