Pathways to Possibilities

at Region 7 ESC for Pathways to Possibilities
A one-day FREE symposium for secondary students, their parents, and teachers!
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8:00 a.m.
|
Check-In Opens / Pathways Plaza is Open |
| 9:00 a.m. | General Session / Opening Instructions |
| 9:30 a.m. | Breakout 1 |
| 10:30 a.m. | Breakout 2 |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch / Keynote |
| 12:30 p.m. | Breakout 3 |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Closing
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Join us during lunch for an inspiring keynote focused on planning for the future, building confidence, and helping students see what is possible beyond high school. Our keynote speaker will share real stories, practical strategies, and encouragement for students, families, and educators as they navigate the transition to adult life.

Breakout Session 1 - 9:30–10:15 a.m.
Parents: Your Role in the IEP
Connie Parks
Navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process can feel overwhelming. This session will cover areas of need identified in the 24–25 Survey for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services.
Pathways Plaza
Come-and-go resource area, open 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Welcome to Pathways Plaza—a place to explore what’s next after high school! Walk around and connect with people who can share helpful information, answer questions, and support you as you plan for the future. Whether you're thinking about a job, more school, or living on your own, you’ll find resources and guidance to help you take your next steps.
Dress for Success – Female
Brenda Hampton, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for female students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Communication with Law Enforcement
Angela Burch, Kilgore Police Department
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.
Money Smart: A Real Life Budget Challenge
Ryan Betts, Community Engagement Officer, Credit Union of Texas
In this fun, hands-on activity, you will practice managing money like an adult! Each student will get a job, a salary, and a budget to follow. You will make choices about spending on needs (like food and housing) and wants (like entertainment and extras). Throughout the activity, you’ll face real-life money challenges and surprises. Can you stick to your budget—or will you run out of money before the month ends? At the end, we’ll discuss what you learned and how to make smart money choices in the future.
Navigating Success: Soft Skills in the Workplace
Whitney Sherman
Time to get ready for success at work! We'll discuss essential skills such as communicating 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 be successful in your career. This workshop is intended for high school students, 18+, adult learners, their parents and families, and vocational school staff.
Bridging the Gap from High School to Career
Carrie Chandler
Join us to learn about the exciting things you can do as a CTE student in your school! We'll talk about why exploring is important and how you, your parents, and school staff can help make sure everyone feels included in learning and working together. This workshop is for middle and high school students, parents, and vocational staff. Come join the fun!
Connect and Communicate
Jenny Brandt & Brett Durham
Are you ready to feel more confident in speaking and connecting with others in the real world? In this fun session, you’ll learn simple ways to share your ideas, listen, and connect with people. This workshop is for students of all ages, parents, and teachers.
Dress for Success – Male
Nickalous McGrew, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for male students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Breakout Session #2 - 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Students: Your Role in the IEP
Connie Parks
Join us for a fun, easy-to-understand session all about your IEP! We’ll discuss what an IEP is, why it’s important, and how you can share your ideas during your meeting. You’ll learn how to speak up for yourself and be a part of the team that helps you succeed in school!
Pathways Plaza
Come-and-go resource area, open 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Welcome to Pathways Plaza—a place to explore what’s next after high school! Walk around and connect with people who can share helpful information, answer questions, and support you as you plan for the future. Whether you're thinking about a job, more school, or living on your own, you’ll find resources and guidance to help you take your next steps. Pathways Plaza is come and go and will be open 8:30–2:00.
Dress for Success – Female
Brenda Hampton, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for female students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Communication with Law Enforcement
Angela Burch, Kilgore Police Department
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.
Money Smart: A Real Life Budget Challenge
Ryan Betts, Community Engagement Officer, Credit Union of Texas
In this fun, hands-on activity, you will practice managing money like an adult! Each student will get a job, a salary, and a budget to follow. You will make choices about spending on needs (like food and housing) and wants (like entertainment and extras). Throughout the activity, you’ll face real-life money challenges and surprises. Can you stick to your budget—or will you run out of money before the month ends? At the end, we’ll discuss what you learned and how to make smart money choices in the future.
Navigating Success: Soft Skills in the Workplace
Whitney Sherman
Time to get ready for success at work! We'll discuss essential skills such as communicating 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 be successful in your career. This workshop is intended for high school students, 18+, adult learners, their parents and families, and vocational school staff.
Bridging the Gap from High School to Career
Carrie Chandler
Join us to learn about the exciting things you can do as a CTE student in your school! We'll talk about why exploring is important and how you, your parents, and school staff can help make sure everyone feels included in learning and working together. This workshop is for middle and high school students, parents, and vocational staff. Come join the fun!
Think Before You Post: Staying Safe on Social Media
Carl Mohn
What you post online says a lot about you—and it can follow you into the future! In this session, we’ll talk about how to stay safe, smart, and kind on social media. Learn how your posts, photos, and comments can impact how teachers, colleges, and future employers see you. We’ll also explore ways to protect your privacy, spot fake information, and use social media to show your best self online.
Dress for Success – Male
Nickalous McGrew, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for male students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Breakout Session #3 - 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
My Future, My Voice: How to Get the Job You Want
Jackie Reavis
Your voice matters—and so does your future! This workshop will help you learn how to talk about your strengths, ask for what you need, and shine in job interviews. We’ll cover how to handle questions, how to ask for accommodations, and what to do if you’re unsure what an employer can ask. Walk away ready to say, “I can do this—and here’s why you should hire me!”
Pathways Plaza
Come-and-go resource area, open 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Welcome to Pathways Plaza—a place to explore what’s next after high school! Walk around and connect with people who can share helpful information, answer questions, and support you as you plan for the future. Whether you're thinking about a job, more school, or living on your own, you’ll find resources and guidance to help you take your next steps. Pathways Plaza is come and go and will be open 8:30–2:00.
Dress for Success – Female
Brenda Hampton, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for female students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!
Communication with Law Enforcement
Angela Burch, Kilgore Police Department
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.
Money Smart: A Real Life Budget Challenge
Ryan Betts, Community Engagement Officer, Credit Union of Texas
In this fun, hands-on activity, you will practice managing money like an adult! Each student will get a job, a salary, and a budget to follow. You will make choices about spending on needs (like food and housing) and wants (like entertainment and extras). Throughout the activity, you’ll face real-life money challenges and surprises. Can you stick to your budget—or will you run out of money before the month ends? At the end, we’ll discuss what you learned and how to make smart money choices in the future.
Navigating Success: Soft Skills in the Workplace
Whitney Sherman
Time to get ready for success at work! We'll discuss essential skills such as communicating 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 be successful in your career. This workshop is intended for high school students, 18+, adult learners, their parents and families, and vocational school staff.
Think Before You Post: Staying Safe on Social Media
Carl Mohn
What you post online says a lot about you—and it can follow you into the future! In this session, we’ll talk about how to stay safe, smart, and kind on social media. Learn how your posts, photos, and comments can impact how teachers, colleges, and future employers see you. We’ll also explore ways to protect your privacy, spot fake information, and use social media to show your best self online.
Mental Health Resources
Katilyn Woodley
Calling all parents—join our school counselors for a session to learn about the mental health resources available to support your child. Get tips on recognizing stress and anxiety, and discover how to help your child thrive.
Dress for Success – Male
Nickalous McGrew, Goodwill Industries
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 confidently, speak professionally, and collaborate with others – all things bosses really like. It's not just about what you wear, but also about standing out with your skills. Be ready for your next interview with style, confidence, and all the tools you need to succeed! This workshop is for male students and adults; even parents and school staff can learn how to help students with different abilities get jobs. Join us!


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Kelsey Wigington, M.Ed. Specialist II, Special Education Services -
Amie Handorf, CTSBS Administrative Assistant, Special Education Services