Pathways to Possibilities
Join us on February 24, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
at Region 7 ESC for Pathways to Possibilities
A one-day FREE symposium for secondary students, their parents, and teachers!
Region 7 Education Service Center and Partners Resource Network have partnered to provide a collaborative transition symposium for students with varying abilities and their parents and teachers. Participants will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions related to self-advocacy, educational support systems, employment, independent living skills, and community services.
Lunch is provided! We will also have an exhibitor hall. Resources and agencies from the community will be available to all attendees.
If you would like to attend, please complete our ONLINE FORM.
Registration deadline is February 12, 2025. On the day of the event, arrive at 8:30 a.m. to check in.
It is important that we have an accurate count of attendees in order to provide lunch and materials. Please make sure each person who will attend is registered. If you are a district/charter/private school bringing students, you will receive a link within the registration process to add all students to one roster. In order to streamline the registration process for this event, Region 7 ESC collaborated with Partners Resource Network. If you have questions, please contact Tracy Johnston.
Romereo Brown
Founder & CEO of Weird and Different Clothing Brand, TJC Alumni
Romereo Brown Jr is the founder and CEO of the clothing brand Weird and Different which was started in 2020. Growing up Romero Brown was bullied because he was born deaf in his right ear. His peers would tease him and call him names like mush mouth which is a character from the popular show "Fat Albert". Romero embraced his uniqueness and launched himself into entrepreneurship after studying business at Tyler Junior College. His fortitude has led him to create a brand that represents the reinvention of those hurtful words said to him by his peers, in a way that embraces the oddness in all individuals. Weird and Different was created to make everyone feel confident in who they are. His vision for this brand is to be able to help evervone who shops with Weird and Different to love themselves authentically and celebrate their individuality.
Click the times to see all topics available.
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Bridging the Gap from High School to Career
Presented by Carrie Chandler & Kimberly Harris with Region 7 ESC
(for 6th - 12th graders, parents, and staff/teachers)
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
College Ready: Tips and Tools for a Confident Start
Presented by Tracy Johnston with Region 7 ESC
(for 6th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
Communications with Law Enforcement
Presented by Angela Burch with Kilgore Police Department
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
This workshop will help you learn how to communicate with police officers in a safe way. We'll talk about what to do if you get pulled over and how to share important information about yourself. You'll also learn about driving with a disability in Texas, including special options and resources to help you stay safe on the road.
This workshop will help you learn how to communicate with police officers in a safe way. We'll talk about what to do if you get pulled over and how to share important information about yourself. You'll also learn about driving with a disability in Texas, including special options and resources to help you stay safe on the road.
Dress for Success - Female
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Dress for Success - Male
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Fit For Success
Presented by Chase Livingston with Chase Livingston, LLC // High Powered 501(c)3
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+)
Join this session to learn more about student success through Holistic Wellness. Discover the tools to become strong, healthy, and confident mentally, physically, and emotionally. This workshop is intended for secondary students of all ages.
Join this session to learn more about student success through Holistic Wellness. Discover the tools to become strong, healthy, and confident mentally, physically, and emotionally. This workshop is intended for secondary students of all ages.
Teens Just Want to Have Funds
Presented by Charlotte Atkinson with Nosnikta Solutions FIanncial Services
(for 9th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Understanding Your Child's IEP Meeting: A Guide for Parents
Presented by Connie Parks with Region 7 ESC
(for parents)
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Bridging the Gap from High School to Career
Presented by Carrie Chandler & Kimberly Harris with Region 7 ESC
(for 6th - 12th graders, parents, and staff/teachers)
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
Dress for Success - Female
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Dress for Success - Male
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Fit For Success
Presented by Chase Livingston with Chase Livingston, LLC // High Powered 501(c)3
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+)
Join this session to learn more about student success through Holistic Wellness. Discover the tools to become strong, healthy, and confident mentally, physically, and emotionally. This workshop is intended for secondary students of all ages.
Join this session to learn more about student success through Holistic Wellness. Discover the tools to become strong, healthy, and confident mentally, physically, and emotionally. This workshop is intended for secondary students of all ages.
Hear My Voice
Presented by Kelsey Wigington & Jenny Brandt with Region 7 ESC
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Are you ready to feel more powerful by improving how you talk and connect with others in the real world? Let's learn lots of different ways to communicate better, especially if you have unique abilities. This workshop's audience is intended for middle school, high school, 18+ and adult students. Vocational school staff and parents will benefit from learning effective communication strategies to share with students.
Are you ready to feel more powerful by improving how you talk and connect with others in the real world? Let's learn lots of different ways to communicate better, especially if you have unique abilities. This workshop's audience is intended for middle school, high school, 18+ and adult students. Vocational school staff and parents will benefit from learning effective communication strategies to share with students.
Hire Me Please!
Presented by Barbara Giesing with BAG HR Consulting
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Looking for a job might seem easy because companies need workers, but what if you're a bit different because of special needs or you don't have much experience or skills? What should you do? When should you talk about any special help you need? What can bosses ask, and how do you answer? What if they ask things they shouldn't? How can you show yourself in the best way to get the job you want? Let's talk about what you can do to make sure you have a good chance of success.
Looking for a job might seem easy because companies need workers, but what if you're a bit different because of special needs or you don't have much experience or skills? What should you do? When should you talk about any special help you need? What can bosses ask, and how do you answer? What if they ask things they shouldn't? How can you show yourself in the best way to get the job you want? Let's talk about what you can do to make sure you have a good chance of success.
Teens Just Want to Have Funds
Presented by Charlotte Atkinson with Nosnikta Solutions FIanncial Services
(for 9th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Understanding Your Child's IEP Meeting: A Guide for Parents
Presented by Connie Parks with Region 7 ESC
(for parents)
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
College Ready: Tips and Tools for a Confident Start
Presented by Tracy Johnston with Region 7 ESC
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
In this workshop, we will help you and your family learn how to get ready for college. We’ll talk about the different kinds of colleges in Texas and the opportunities they offer. You’ll also learn about scholarships that can help pay for college. By the end of this session, you’ll have helpful tips and tools to feel confident about your next steps toward college.
Communication with Law Enforcement
Presented by Angela Burch with Kilgore Police Department
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
This workshop will help you learn how to communicate with police officers in a safe way. We'll talk about what to do if you get pulled over and how to share important information about yourself. You'll also learn about driving with a disability in Texas, including special options and resources to help you stay safe on the road.
This workshop will help you learn how to communicate with police officers in a safe way. We'll talk about what to do if you get pulled over and how to share important information about yourself. You'll also learn about driving with a disability in Texas, including special options and resources to help you stay safe on the road.
Dress for Success - Female
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for girls in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Dress for Success - Male
Presented by Brenda Hampton with Goodwill Industries
(for 9th - 12th graders, 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Get ready for a special session that's not just about clothes, but also about the important skills you need for a great job interview! Learn how to show yourself with confidence, talk well, and be good at getting along with others – all things that bosses really like. Our workshop is for guys in high school, 18 and older, and adults. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be super ready for your next interview with cool style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for students and adults, and even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Hear My Voice
Presented by Kelsey Wigington & Jenny Brandt with Region 7 ESC
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Are you ready to feel more powerful by improving how you talk and connect with others in the real world? Let's learn lots of different ways to communicate better, especially if you have unique abilities. This workshop's audience is intended for middle school, high school, 18+ and adult students. Vocational school staff and parents will benefit from learning effective communication strategies to share with students.
Are you ready to feel more powerful by improving how you talk and connect with others in the real world? Let's learn lots of different ways to communicate better, especially if you have unique abilities. This workshop's audience is intended for middle school, high school, 18+ and adult students. Vocational school staff and parents will benefit from learning effective communication strategies to share with students.
Hire Me Please!
Presented by Barbara Giesing with BAG HR Consulting
(for 6th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Looking for a job might seem easy because companies need workers, but what if you're a bit different because of special needs or you don't have much experience or skills? What should you do? When should you talk about any special help you need? What can bosses ask, and how do you answer? What if they ask things they shouldn't? How can you show yourself in the best way to get the job you want? Let's talk about what you can do to make sure you have a good chance of success.
Looking for a job might seem easy because companies need workers, but what if you're a bit different because of special needs or you don't have much experience or skills? What should you do? When should you talk about any special help you need? What can bosses ask, and how do you answer? What if they ask things they shouldn't? How can you show yourself in the best way to get the job you want? Let's talk about what you can do to make sure you have a good chance of success.
Navigating Sucess: Soft Skills in the Workplace
Presented by Whitney Sherman with Region 7 ESC
(for 9th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Time to get ready for success at work! We'll discuss skills like talking with others, managing your time, working in a team, solving problems, being flexible, and speaking up for yourself. Build the confidence you need to find a job and do great in your career. Come join us and begin your journey to becoming a professional! This workshop is intended for high school, 18+ and adult students, as well as their parents/families and vocational school staff.
Time to get ready for success at work! We'll discuss skills like talking with others, managing your time, working in a team, solving problems, being flexible, and speaking up for yourself. Build the confidence you need to find a job and do great in your career. Come join us and begin your journey to becoming a professional! This workshop is intended for high school, 18+ and adult students, as well as their parents/families and vocational school staff.
Teens Just Want to Have Funds
Presented by Charlotte Atkinson with Nosnikta Solutions FIanncial Services
(for 9th - 12th graders and 18+, parents, and staff/teachers)
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Ready to tackle adulthood? Join us for a fun workshop that breaks down money basics! We'll cover how to set a budget, decode tricky financial terms, and dodge common money pitfalls. Get ready to boost your financial confidence and have a blast while doing it!
Understanding Your Child's IEP Meeting: A Guide for Parents
Presented by Connie Parks with Region 7 ESC
(for parents)
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can feel overwhelming. This one-hour session will cover areas of needs identified in the 23-24 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
