Progress 07/15/05 to 07/14/10
Outputs
Jul 15, 2009 TO Jul 14, 2010 One-year Extension from 7/15/2009 to 7/14/10 The Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium (TxHSIC), over the past four years, has successfully united colleges and universities with similar student enrollments and needs. The purpose of the USDA sponsored Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium, according to its bylaws, is to establish communication among its members so that they know one another as people and as institutions, for the benefit of the students they serve: namely, large and growing numbers of underserved populations, particularly Mexican Americans. The Consortium has worked to provide an arena in which the Texas HSIs can work together, build partnerships, collaborate, establish working relationships and, most importantly, share best practices. By working together, the Consortium hopes to decrease the duplication of efforts and increase funding opportunities for partner institutions. Joining together focuses attention on the 163,613 students enrolled full time at the 21 member institutions, and justifies federal agencies' participation in Texas HSI activities. The combined efforts of the Consortium far exceed any individual effort and the Consortium successfully provides a mechanism to exchange information, establish mutually beneficial collaborations, and to share resources such as facilities, equipment, personnel, and information. TxHSIC has joined Texas HSIs together to build collaborative and networking relationships and to highlight ways to improve and expand the capacity of these unique institutions. The improved collaboration and communication has helped the entities to identify and address common issues and problems. Many Hispanic Serving Institutions have experienced great enrollment increases and budget restraints. Additionally, Hispanic students are underrepresented in science and mathematics programs and in the USDA. Resource development activities have increased the ability and opportunities of the Hispanic Serving Institutions to secure funding. Capacity building efforts have included training seminars in which USDA and other federal and state agencies were asked to provide information to participants regarding their agency's scope, mission, purpose, fund raising, and employment opportunities. This information helped HSIs align their programs in the food, agricultural, and related sciences to the skills necessary to succeed at USDA and in other career opportunities. Through well-planned conferences, the Consortium has strived to provide timely and accurate information to its members regarding funding, collaboration, and capacity building opportunities. The Texas HSI Consortium has worked to: 1) Establish a network of Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas, 2) Build capacity at the institutions, 3) Provide an environment for collaboration, and 4) Graduate a highly trained student capable of successfully competing in the changing workforce. PRODUCTS: To date, the project has produced several major products, including the development of the official TxHSIC bylaws, the Memorandum of Agreement, the grant proposals generated from the conferences, the student internships, student scholarships, and the dedicated website. The activities of the Consortium provide a vital platform for advocacy, information, collaboration, and recognition. Member institutions (and even some non-members) have been able to improve instruction at their institutions through the funding of grant programs that have been presented at TxHSIC conferences. Samples of collaborative efforts that arose as a direct result of participation in the Consortium include: (1) The University of Texas at San Antonio, Sul Ross State University, Victoria College and El Centro College submitted a collaborative proposal to integrate TEXPREP curriculum into their institutions; (2) Laredo Community College, Southwest Texas Junior College and Texas State University, San Marcos submitted a collaborative proposal to create a seamless pipeline from the two community colleges to the 4 year institution by creating an Agriculture class to be taught at all three institutions; (3) Houston Community College, in partnership with Sam Houston State University, successfully submitted a Career Pathways proposal to the USDA HSI Higher Education program. OUTCOMES: The USDA sponsored Texas HSI Consortium has had an impact on higher education in the state of Texas at the Societal/Community, Organizational, and Individual Institution levels. As articulated in the following narrative, the Consortium affected Texas HSIs in an episodic (actions of program or individuals), developmental (change across time), and transformative (fundamental shifts in behavior and performance) manner. This has been accomplished by meeting the long term goals and objectives of the project. Texas HSI Consortium LONG TERM GOALS Enlisted all 40+ HSIs in Texas as members (21 members so far). Increased Federal funding at the Texas HSIs (collaboration and grants.) Increased the number of students eligible and highly qualified for USDA permanent employment (2 student scholarships; 2 internships). Increased the collaborations between Texas HSIs (8 conferences; networking), and increased the Texas HSIs capacity to graduate highly sought-after students (curriculum planning; grants; internships). Increased the knowledge-base of the Texas HSIs regarding USDA opportunities (meeting program officers; 2 faculty fellowships; internships). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The TxHSIC dedicated website, www.txhsic.com, provides information regarding the consortium, its members, conferences, and student information, as well as space for an evaluator database and current news. The website address is disseminated at all TxHSIC activities, as well as via email contact. The website is currently undergoing renovation before its continuation after the grant period, paid for from consortium dues. Besides the website, the main vehicle for dissemination is the email list of consortium members (including institution presidents) and conference participants. Conference materials and occupational and career information have been made available to all participating institutions through e-mail distribution. Presentations on the project have been made at a national conference for Hispanic Serving Institutions and for the Texas TEXPREP Conference. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Discussions are underway to address the problems Hispanic students face in higher education, including math (many must take developmental math, which isn't always successful when the student attempts a college level math course). Consortium collaborators have written a grant proposal designed to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the sciences through faculty development and faculty collaboration. The proposal is based on the premise that students are motivated and inspired by faculty. It is well documented that faculty have a unique ability and access to motivate students in ways that no one else can. However, faculty must have up-to-date information and knowledge about the changing world around them. Faculty members need to be inspired themselves and this proposal will provide new vistas to faculty through: 1) curriculum development; 2) cutting edge technology; 3) innovative methodology; and 4) data collection. Further, faculty will receive enhanced and current career information that is crucial to reaching underrepresented students. Additional future initiatives will look at the involvement of faculty in a student's success and the lack of sponsored research offices at many institutions, which affects sustainability and institutional support.
Impacts
2009-07-15 TO 2010-07-14 The greatest impact was the creation of a venue for sharing and learning for members in the consortium. Discussions are underway to address the problems Hispanic students face in higher education, including math (many must take developmental math, which isn't always successful when the student attempts a college level math course). Consortium collaborators have written a grant proposal designed to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the sciences through faculty development and faculty collaboration. The proposal is based on the premise that students are motivated and inspired by faculty. It is well documented that faculty have a unique ability and access to motivate students in ways that no one else can. However, faculty must have up-to-date information and knowledge about the changing world around them. Faculty members need to be inspired themselves and this proposal will provide new vistas to faculty through: 1) curriculum development; 2) cutting edge technology; 3) innovative methodology; and 4) data collection. Further, faculty will receive enhanced and current career information that is crucial to reaching underrepresented students. Additional future initiatives will look at the involvement of faculty in a student's success and the lack of sponsored research offices at many institutions, which affects sustainability and institutional support.
Publications
- 2009/7/15 to 2010/7/14 No publications this period.
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Progress 07/15/08 to 07/14/09
Outputs
One-year Extension from 7/15/2008 to 7/14/09 The Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium (TxHSIC), over the past four years, has successfully united colleges and universities with similar student enrollments and needs. The purpose of the USDA sponsored Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium, according to its bylaws, is to establish communication among its members so that they know one another as people and as institutions, for the benefit of the students they serve: namely, large and growing numbers of underserved populations, particularly Mexican Americans. The Consortium has worked to provide an arena in which the Texas HSIs can work together, build partnerships, collaborate, establish working relationships and, most importantly, share best practices. By working together, the Consortium hopes to decrease the duplication of efforts and increase funding opportunities for partner institutions. Joining together focuses attention on the 163,613 students enrolled full time at the 21 member institutions, and justifies federal agencies' participation in Texas HSI activities. The combined efforts of the Consortium far exceed any individual effort and the Consortium successfully provides a mechanism to exchange information, establish mutually beneficial collaborations, and to share resources such as facilities, equipment, personnel, and information. TxHSIC has joined Texas HSIs together to build collaborative and networking relationships and to highlight ways to improve and expand the capacity of these unique institutions. The improved collaboration and communication has helped the entities to identify and address common issues and problems. Many Hispanic Serving Institutions have experienced great enrollment increases and budget restraints. Additionally, Hispanic students are underrepresented in science and mathematics programs and in the USDA. Resource development activities have increased the ability and opportunities of the Hispanic Serving Institutions to secure funding. Capacity building efforts have included training seminars in which USDA and other federal and state agencies were asked to provide information to participants regarding their agency's scope, mission, purpose, fund raising, and employment opportunities. This information helped HSIs align their programs in the food, agricultural, and related sciences to the skills necessary to succeed at USDA and in other career opportunities. Through well-planned conferences, the Consortium has strived to provide timely and accurate information to its members regarding funding, collaboration, and capacity building opportunities. The Texas HSI Consortium has worked to: 1) Establish a network of Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas, 2) Build capacity at the institutions, 3) Provide an environment for collaboration, and 4) Graduate a highly trained student capable of successfully competing in the changing workforce. PRODUCTS: To date, the project has produced several major products, including the development of the official TxHSIC bylaws, the Memorandum of Agreement, the grant proposals generated from the conferences, the student internships, student scholarships, and the dedicated website. The activities of the Consortium provide a vital platform for advocacy, information, collaboration, and recognition. Member institutions (and even some non-members) have been able to improve instruction at their institutions through the funding of grant programs that have been presented at TxHSIC conferences. Samples of collaborative efforts that arose as a direct result of participation in the Consortium include: (1) The University of Texas at San Antonio, Sul Ross State University, Victoria College and El Centro College submitted a collaborative proposal to integrate TEXPREP curriculum into their institutions; (2) Laredo Community College, Southwest Texas Junior College and Texas State University, San Marcos submitted a collaborative proposal to create a seamless pipeline from the two community colleges to the 4 year institution by creating an Agriculture class to be taught at all three institutions; (3) Houston Community College, in partnership with Sam Houston State University, successfully submitted a Career Pathways proposal to the USDA HSI Higher Education program. OUTCOMES: The USDA sponsored Texas HSI Consortium has had an impact on higher education in the state of Texas at the Societal/Community, Organizational, and Individual Institution levels. As articulated in the following narrative, the Consortium affected Texas HSIs in an episodic (actions of program or individuals), developmental (change across time), and transformative (fundamental shifts in behavior and performance) manner. This has been accomplished by meeting the long term goals and objectives of the project. Texas HSI Consortium LONG TERM GOALS Enlisted all 40+ HSIs in Texas as members (21 members so far). Increased Federal funding at the Texas HSIs (collaboration and grants.) Increased the number of students eligible and highly qualified for USDA permanent employment (2 student scholarships; 2 internships). Increased the collaborations between Texas HSIs (8 conferences; networking), and increased the Texas HSIs capacity to graduate highly sought-after students (curriculum planning; grants; internships). Increased the knowledge-base of the Texas HSIs regarding USDA opportunities (meeting program officers; 2 faculty fellowships; internships). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The TxHSIC dedicated website, www.txhsic.com, provides information regarding the consortium, its members, conferences, and student information, as well as space for an evaluator database and current news. The website address is disseminated at all TxHSIC activities, as well as via email contact. The website is currently undergoing renovation before its continuation after the grant period, paid for from consortium dues. Besides the website, the main vehicle for dissemination is the email list of consortium members (including institution presidents) and conference participants. Conference materials and occupational and career information have been made available to all participating institutions through e-mail distribution. Presentations on the project have been made at a national conference for Hispanic Serving Institutions and for the Texas TEXPREP Conference. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Discussions are underway to address the problems Hispanic students face in higher education, including math (many must take developmental math, which isn't always successful when the student attempts a college level math course). Consortium collaborators have written a grant proposal designed to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the sciences through faculty development and faculty collaboration. The proposal is based on the premise that students are motivated and inspired by faculty. It is well documented that faculty have a unique ability and access to motivate students in ways that no one else can. However, faculty must have up-to-date information and knowledge about the changing world around them. Faculty members need to be inspired themselves and this proposal will provide new vistas to faculty through: 1) curriculum development; 2) cutting edge technology; 3) innovative methodology; and 4) data collection. Further, faculty will receive enhanced and current career information that is crucial to reaching underrepresented students. Additional future initiatives will look at the involvement of faculty in a student's success and the lack of sponsored research offices at many institutions, which affects sustainability and institutional support.
Impacts
Discussions are underway to address the problems Hispanic students face in higher education, including math (many must take developmental math, which isn't always successful when the student attempts a college level math course). Consortium collaborators have written a grant proposal designed to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the sciences through faculty development and faculty collaboration. The proposal is based on the premise that students are motivated and inspired by faculty. It is well documented that faculty have a unique ability and access to motivate students in ways that no one else can. However, faculty must have up-to-date information and knowledge about the changing world around them. Faculty members need to be inspired themselves and this proposal will provide new vistas to faculty through: 1) curriculum development; 2) cutting edge technology; 3) innovative methodology; and 4) data collection. Further, faculty will receive enhanced and current career information that is crucial to reaching underrepresented students. Additional future initiatives will look at the involvement of faculty in a student's success and the lack of sponsored research offices at many institutions, which affects sustainability and institutional support.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/07 to 07/14/08
Outputs
The Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium (TxHSIC), over the past three years, has successfully united colleges and universities with similar student enrollments and needs. The purpose of the USDA sponsored Texas Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium, according to its bylaws, is to establish communication among its members so that they know one another as people and as institutions, for the benefit of the students they serve: namely, large and growing numbers of underserved populations, particularly Mexican Americans. The Consortium has worked to provide an arena in which the Texas HSIs can work together, build partnerships, collaborate, establish working relationships and, most importantly, share best practices. By working together, the Consortium hopes to decrease the duplication of efforts and increase funding opportunities for partner institutions. Joining together focuses attention on the 163,613 students enrolled full time at the 21 member institutions, and justifies federal agencies' participation in Texas HSI activities. The combined efforts of the Consortium far exceed any individual effort and the Consortium successfully provides a mechanism to exchange information, establish mutually beneficial collaborations, and to share resources such as facilities, equipment, personnel, and information. TxHSIC has joined Texas HSIs together to build collaborative and networking relationships and to highlight ways to improve and expand the capacity of these unique institutions. The improved collaboration and communication has helped the entities to identify and address common issues and problems. Many Hispanic Serving Institutions have experienced great enrollment increases and budget restraints. Additionally, Hispanic students are underrepresented in science and mathematics programs and in the USDA. Resource development activities have increased the ability and opportunities of the Hispanic Serving Institutions to secure funding. Capacity building efforts have included training seminars in which USDA and other federal and state agencies were asked to provide information to participants regarding their agency's scope, mission, purpose, fund raising, and employment opportunities. This information helped HSIs align their programs in the food, agricultural, and related sciences to the skills necessary to succeed at USDA and in other career opportunities. Through well-planned conferences, the Consortium has strived to provide timely and accurate information to its members regarding funding, collaboration, and capacity building opportunities. The Texas HSI Consortium has worked to: Establish a network of Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas Build capacity at the institutions. Provide an environment for collaboration. Graduate a highly trained student capable of successfully competing in the changing workforce. PRODUCTS: To date, the project has produced several major products, including the development of the official TxHSIC bylaws, the Memorandum of Agreement, the grant proposals generated from the conferences, the student internships, the student scholarship, and the dedicated website. The activities of the Consortium provide a vital platform for advocacy, information, collaboration, and recognition. Member institutions (and even some non-members) have been able to improve instruction at their institutions through the funding of grant programs that have been presented at TxHSIC conferences. Samples of collaborative efforts that arose as a direct result of participation in the Consortium include: (1) The University of Texas at San Antonio, Sul Ross State University, Victoria College and El Centro College submitted a collaborative proposal to integrate TexPrep curriculum into their institutions; (2) Laredo Community College, Southwest Texas Junior College and Texas State University, San Marcos submitted a collaborative proposal to create a seamless pipeline from the two community colleges to the 4 year institution by creating an Agriculture class to be taught at all three institutions; (3) Houston Community College, in partnership with Sam Houston State University, successfully submitted a Career Pathways proposal to the USDA HSI Higher Education program. OUTCOMES: The USDA sponsored Texas HSI Consortium has had an impact on higher education in the state of Texas at the Societal/Community, Organizational, and Individual Institution levels. As articulated in the following narrative, the Consortium affected Texas HSIs in an episodic (actions of program or individuals), developmental (change across time), and transformative (fundamental shifts in behavior and performance) manner. This has been accomplished by meeting the long term goals and objectives of the project. Texas HSI Consortium LONG TERM GOALS Enlisted all 40+ HSIs in Texas as members (21 members so far). Increased Federal funding at the Texas HSIs (collaboration and grants.) Increased the number of students eligible and highly qualified for USDA permanent employment (2 student scholarships; 2 internships). Increased the collaborations between Texas HSIs (7 conferences; networking), and increased the Texas HSIs capacity to graduate highly sought-after students (curriculum planning; grants; internships). Increased the knowledge-base of the Texas HSIs regarding USDA opportunities (meeting program officers; 2 faculty fellowships; internships). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The TxHSIC dedicated website, www.txhsic.com, provides information regarding the consortium, its members, conferences, and student information, as well as space for an evaluator database and current news. The website address is disseminated at all TxHSIC activities, as well as via email contact. The website is currently undergoing renovation before its continuation after the grant period, paid for from consortium dues. Besides the website, the main vehicle for dissemination is the email list of consortium members (including institution presidents) and conference participants. Conference materials and occupational and career information have been made available to all participating institutions through e-mail distribution. Presentation on the project have been made at a national conference for Hispanic Serving Institutions and for the Texas TexPrep. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Discussions are underway to address the problems Hispanic students face in higher education, including math (many must take developmental math, which isn't always successful when the student attempts a college level math course). Consortium collaborators have written a grant proposal designed to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the sciences through faculty development and faculty collaboration. The proposal is based on the premise that students are motivated and inspired by faculty. It is well documented that faculty have a unique ability and access to motivate students in ways that no one else can. However, faculty must have up-to-date information and knowledge about the changing world around them. Faculty members need to be inspired themselves and this proposal will provide new vistas to faculty through: 1) curriculum development; 2) cutting edge technology; 3) innovative methodology; and 4) data collection. Further, faculty will receive enhanced and current career information that is crucial to reaching underrepresented students. Additional future initiatives will look at the involvement of faculty in a student's success and the lack of sponsored research offices at many institutions, which affects sustainability and institutional support.
Impacts
Another important HSI Consortium leadership role is the Consortium's sponsorship, with support from USDA, of three conferences each year. The conferences address capacity building, faculty and staff development, and increased student services. Over the three years of this grant, these gatherings of HSIs from across the state have facilitated increased information sharing and networking opportunities, mutual support for capacity building and community efforts, expanded access to experts in fields of interest, and direct access to representatives from pertinent funding agencies. Most importantly, the conferences have been responsive to the needs for Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions to be successful in recruiting and retaining underrepresented students. By increasing awareness of the USDA Educational Need of strengthening the recruitment and retention programs for underrepresented students in order to promote the strength of the work force in food and agricultural sciences, the consortium is committed to enhancing the economic opportunities for agricultural producers (USDA Strategic Goal 1) as well as enhancing the educational and economic opportunities for underrepresented students.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/06 to 07/14/07
Outputs
In the past 2 years, the Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium (TxHSIC) has continued to grow across Texas by providing leadership for Texas HSIs. One of the most visible signs of the consortium's leadership is its growing membership. Twenty-one (21) Hispanic Serving Institutions have signed official Memorandums of Understanding and paid consortium dues, allowing them the privileges of full membership, including eligibility to apply for the student scholarship and reduced conference registration fees, access to meetings whereby members can solicit for partners on collaborative projects, share best practices, learn what other member institutions are accomplishing, and apply for travel funds for student internships. In year 2, the consortium's Executive Committee met 3 times and the consortium's full membership met 2 times. Another important leadership role is our sponsorship, with support from USDA, of two workshops and one annual conference. The workshops and
conference address capacity building, faculty and staff development, and increased student services. These gatherings of HSIs from across the state allow for increased information sharing and networking opportunities, mutual support for capacity building and community efforts, expanded access to experts in fields of interest, and direct access to representatives from pertinent funding agencies. Most importantly, the workshops are focused exclusively on what is needed for Hispanic Serving Institutions to be successful in expanding capacity and resources, and recruiting and retaining underrepresented students. By increasing awareness of the USDA Educational Need of strengthening the recruitment and retention programs for underrepresented students in order to promote the strength of the work force in food and agricultural sciences, the consortium is committed to enhancing the economic opportunities for agricultural producers (USDA Strategic Goal 1) as well as enhancing the educational
and economic opportunities for underrepresented students.
PRODUCTS: To date, the project has produced several major products, including the development of the official TxHSIC bylaws, the Memorandum of Agreement, the workshops and annual conference, two student internships, the student scholarship, and the dedicated website. A brochure explaining the Consortium and delineating membership procedures has been produced and distributed at the workshops and other meetings, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting.
OUTCOMES: Several collaborative efforts arose as a direct result of participation in the grant's conferences. The University of Texas at San Antonio, Sul Ross State University, Victoria College and El Centro College submitted a collaborative proposal to integrate TexPrep curriculum into their institutions. Laredo Community College, Southwest Texas Junior College and Texas State University at San Marcos submitted a collaborative proposal to create a pipeline from the 2 community colleges to the 4 year institution by creating an Agriculture class to be taught at all 3 institutions. The regional workshops provide a vital platform for advocacy, information, collaboration, and recognition. On 11/1-2/2006, St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas, 48 participants from 16 institutions. Presentations included USDA HSI Higher Education Grant Program; Discussion: How can the consortium work more closely with USDA agencies?(California NRCS, Iowa NRCS); Title V ; and grant writing practicum.
2/28-3/1/2007, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas, 60 workshop participants. Workshop presentations included Closing the Gaps: How the TxHSIC can get involved (Assistant Commissioner of Outreach and Success for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board); NSF: Funding Opportunities/Program Solicitations ; grant writing practicum for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. By pursuing these important collaborations, students attending HSIs will have access to curricula that will increase the number of students eligible and highly qualified for permanent employment in many fields, including pertinent USDA fields. Over 40 students applied for the USDA $40,000 scholarship. The scholarship awardee applied for the Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium's $40,000 scholarship while he was attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville and enrolled in the inaugural class of the Irma Rangel School of Pharmacy, located on the TAMUK campus. During the first year of the
scholarship, he maintained a 4.0 GPA and has returned to tackle his second year. During Year 2, four faculty members from the University of the Incarnate Word, Austin, Texas, applied and were selected for the USDA Hispanic Fellows Program Two grant writing workshops were held in the second year of the grant, with a total of 108 participants. Workshop surveys were completed by participants, for each workshop as a whole as well as for each presentation. Participants, for the most part, were exceedingly positive for all of the workshop presentations during Year 2 of the grant, expressing satisfaction with the presenters and indicating that what they had learned would assist them in their resource development/grant writing activities. Additionally, most participants agreed or strongly agreed that the workshops as a whole had extended their knowledge of grant writing, that the information they learned was immediately applicable to their institutions, and that the workshop information would
assist their institutions in providing more equitable access or services to traditionally underserved students.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The TxHSIC dedicated website, www.txhsic.com, is now online and provides information regarding the consortium, membership, conferences, and student information, as well as space for an evaluator database and current news. The website address is disseminated at all TxHSIC activities, as well as via email contact. The website is in its infancy stages and has several areas still under development. By the end of the grant period, all areas should be functioning and the dues of the consortium will pay for the website's continuation. Besides the website, the main vehicle for dissemination is the email list of consortium members (including institution presidents) and conference participants. Workshop materials have been made available to all participating institutions through e-mail distribution.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: The Consortium anticipates that additional Texas HSI universities and colleges will join the consortium in the coming year. Efforts will be made to initiate and solidify bridging programs from two-year TxHSI Consortium member institutions to four-year member institutions. The Consortium will work to ensure that member institutions of the Consortium either offer or have access to a soils science class. The TxHSI Consortium will work to secure additional funding to support the Consortium after the initial grant is completed. The TxHSI Consortium will initiate discussions regarding future initiatives and activities that the Consortium members want to pursue.
Impacts
Impact results reported from a Resource Development Survey sent to the Texas HSI Consortium membership organizations indicated that responding institutions were establishing collaborations among the consortium members to share ideas and to plan and submit grant proposals. Several member HSIs reported submitting proposals to the US Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and other government agencies, as a direct result of information learned from the Consortium's conferences and from direct encouragement at those conferences from federal and state agency representatives. Institutions were able to take advantage of the consortium activities to meet and establish relationships that lead to coordinated efforts by the institutions. The members have seen increased success in seeking and receiving funding.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 07/15/05 to 07/14/06
Outputs
The Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium is in its first year and well on its way to being the mechanism through which the Texas HSIs communicate, collaborate and capitalize on the large critical mass of students that are its customers. The consortium ratified by-laws, elected its first executive council, awarded a student scholarship and hosted three federal funding opportunities workshops this past year. The consortium started recruiting members in March 2006 and to date have 14 members from all over the state, with several others ready to join. A database of faculty, administrators and staff has been developed and information has been disseminated via email. Development of the website has begun and it should be online by the next scheduled conference in November, 2006.
PRODUCTS: The product of this grant is a group of motivated and diversely trained faculty, staff and administrators from institutions of various sizes and missions, working together to level the playing field between the HSIs and the larger institutions. The Texas HSIs are becoming more successful and adept at acquiring the resources necessary to graduate students that are highly qualified and skilled to meet the needs of the ever-changing workforce in the Food and Agricultural Sciences. The grant conferences have exposed the participants to different federal programs aimed at enriching the institutions capacities. The conferences have also been an arena within which the institutions have developed relationships with each other. These relationships have fostered cohesiveness which encourages them to work together to acquire more federal funds. Communication between the institutions has improved. The student scholarship was awarded in the summer of 2006 to a first year pharmacy
student at a member institution, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. During four years of training and upon graduation, he will be an ambassador to others showing that Hispanic students from South Texas can be successful and lead rewarding and satisfying careers. Three grant conferences were hosted this year. The first at Laredo Community College in November, 2005. Twenty colleges and universities sent representatives for the two-day workshop, which included national program leaders from the USDA, Department of Education, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Laredo conference also featured our collaborating institution, Houston Community College Resource Development Department grant consultants. The consultants trained the participant how to be more successful at writing proposals. The second grant conference was held at Houston Community College in Houston, TX in March 2006. The National Science Foundation worked with participants, showing them how to navigate the system
more effectively. The same presenters usually travel throughout the country presenting at the larger institutions 8-9 times, but have limited their travels due to budget cuts to 2 presentations for the 2006-2007 school year and have agreed that the Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium meeting in Corpus Christi, TX will be one of the two. The second day of the conference was dedicated to Grants.Gov. The third conference was held at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX in August, 2006, in conjunction with the consortium first annual meeting. Presenters included program leaders from the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Housing and Urban Development and USDA. HUD sent a representative to conduct a technical assistance workshop and state and regional offices of three USDA programs sent representatives to talk to the participants about ways to get their institutions involved with USDA. The consortium members ratified the by-laws and
elected the executive council. Memorandums of understanding have been signed with twelve institutions and three more have paid their memberships, but arrangements have not been made with the presidents to sign the MOUs.
OUTCOMES: Executive Council was established in August 2006 and has yet to have their first meeting. The conferences allowed for increased information sharing, resource development and general networking (among HSI's and with funding agencies) as well as expanded access to experts (funding agency reps at conferences) and increased communication regarding proposal requirements. By adding the USDA representatives to the conferences, resulted in more informed student advisement regarding USDA educational and career opportunities.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: As the consortium activities have developed, the Project Administrator has kept eligible members notified. All Texas HSIs presidents and all past participants have been notified. Information regarding the scholarship was distributed to member institutions and agendas of the three conferences were distributed. Since the consortium has fairly recently started soliciting for members, the initiation of the development of the consortium website was moved back. As stated before, the development will proceed with the intent to have it online by November, 2006. The website and email database will be the major mechanisms for dissemination of information. The Consortium has been selected to present at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas on October 30, 2006. This will be an excellent mechanism to disseminate information about the consortium.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: The Consortium will continue to work with the Texas HSIs to enlist members. Three grant conferences are planned for the 2006-2007 school year. The first on November 1-2, 2006 at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX, the second on February 28-March 1, 2007 at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX and the third to be either in Dallas, TX or the Midland/Odessa in August 2007. USDA agencies representatives have been recruited to work closely with the consortium to increase participation of consortium member students in USDA internships, activities and employment. A student scholar will be chosen in August 2006 to receive a scholarship to enable him/her to complete their education.
Impacts
1. Increased capacity building and resource development (an increase in the number and quality of grant proposals submitted from Texas HSI's) 2. Increased leveraging abilities (elimination of duplicative efforts and sharing of resources)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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