Join us as we come together to hear inspiring speakers, learn from each other, and dive deeper into our work of ensuring every Texas student has the support necessary for student readiness and academic success.

Breakout sessions will offer the opportunity to learn from campuses that have effectively implemented the Student Support Framework (SSF), where they will showcase practices with the greatest impact on student outcomes, supported by data demonstrating their success.

This convening is by invitation only for the Stronger Connections Grant recipients. Each Stronger Connections LEA is allotted a maximum of 10 tickets. Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate additional vendors or participants.  

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When: June 15-16, 2026

Mon, Jun 15, 2026 from
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tue, Jun 16, 2026 from
8:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Where: Renaissance Austin Hotel
9721 Arboretum Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

 

Convening Schedule

*Program subject to change. Check back for updates.

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Early Registration

Early Registration, Breakout Speaker Registration, ESC Facilitator Registration

Ballroom Foyer

5:30 - 6:00 PM

Breakout Facilitator Meeting

Meeting with the ESC Leads/Breakout Facilitators

Bluebonnet

7:30 - 8:50 AM

Registration and Breakfast

Ballroom Foyer

9:45 - 11:00 AM

Keynote Speaker

Dr. John Gaines

Grand Ballroom

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Breakout Session #1

See Breakout Session details below

12:15 - 1:10 PM

Lunch

Grand Ballroom

1:30 - 2:30 PM

Breakout Session #2

See Breakout Session details below

2:30 - 2:55 PM

Break & Afternoon Snack

Grand Ballroom

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Breakout Session #3

See Breakout Session details below

4:00 - 5:30 PM

Optional Evening Meet & Greet/Networking Session

Glass Oaks Ballroom

7:30 - 8:30 AM

Breakfast & Mingling

Grand Ballroom

8:30 - 9:30 AM

Breakout Session #4

See Breakout Session details below

9:45 - 10:30 AM

Julia Cook Session

Julia Cook

Grand Ballroom

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Closing Keynote

Justin Richardson

Grand Ballroom

FEATURING
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Dr. John Gaines

CEO and Founder at PUSH For Dreams

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Meet Dr. John Gaines

Meet Dr. John “Push” Gaines, A Former At-Risk Youth Turned Inspirational Powerhouse. As The CEO And Founder Of PUSH For Dreams, A Non-Profit Organization, Dr. Gaines Has Made A Profound Impact On Classrooms, School Districts, And Businesses Nationwide. He Is Also A Best-Selling Author, Emmy-Nominated Speaker, Leadership Consultant, And Mentorship Advocate. Drawing From His Own Life Experiences, Trauma, And Unique Challenges, Dr. Gaines Connects With Audiences On A Deep Level. With An Approach Rooted In Positivity And Unity, He Tackles Important Issues With Authenticity And Enthusiasm, Bringing People Together And Leaving A Lasting Impact. Recognized As One Of Yahoo News’ “Top 10 Most Influential People Of 2020,” Dr. Gaines Possesses A Rare Ability To Relate To His Audiences And Inspire Them To Imagine Greater Possibilities. His Nickname “PUSH” Embodies His Unwavering Belief In The Power Of Perseverance, Motivating Others To Push Through Obstacles And Become Their Best Selves. Dr. Gaines Holds A Bachelor’s Degree From East Central University, Where He Was Honored As The Outstanding Student In Business And Led The Football Team To Victory As Captain. He Also Has A Master’s Degree In Business Leadership And A Doctorate In Business Administration, Exemplifying Personal And Professional Excellence. Apart From His Remarkable Achievements, Dr. Gaines Finds True Joy In Being A Loving Husband To Emily And A Devoted Father To His Children, Anorah, Benny, And Jonah. Join Dr. Gaines On His Mission To Elevate And Motivate Students, Teachers, Administrators, Professionals, And Communities, And Discover The Transformative Power Of Resilience And Determination.

Justin Richardson

CEO and Founder at Waymaker Leadership Development

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Meet Justin Richardson

With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, Justin is passionate about developing and supporting leaders. As a speaker, coach, and author, his soulful approach to leadership will help you be the leader people want to follow.

Julia Cook

Author, Former teacher and Professional School Counselor

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Meet Julia Cook

Julia Cook has become one of America’s most recognized authors of great people skill storybooks for children. Her multifaceted books have become staples in schools and homes, as they continue to engage students K-12. In her workshops and keynotes, Julia draws upon her rich experience as a former middle school teacher, practicing school counselor, and presenter in thousands of schools across the country to offer strategies and tools for educators. We all know the "What" to do for kids. Julia gives us the "HOW" to do it!

Breakout Sessions

Breakout details coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Bring yourself, an open and energized mindset for learning, and be ready to take notes. Come prepared to engage with actionable strategies and next steps you can take back to your campus to strengthen student readiness and support sustainable implementation of the Student Support Framework.

  • Breakout sessions will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Once a session room reaches capacity, it will be closed to additional attendees for safety and to maintain a quality learning environment. We encourage participants to arrive early to secure a seat in their preferred sessions.

  • No. All conference activities will be held in person only, and sessions will not be recorded. To participate in keynotes and breakout sessions, attendees must be present on-site.

  • We will release the complete agenda—including breakout session descriptions—in late spring, approximately one month before the conference. This will give participants time to review session options and plan their schedules.

  • The conference is designed for SCG Teams, including administrators, teachers, campus support staff, and mental health support personnel who play a role in supporting the Student Support Framework. Participants at all levels of experience will find sessions that are both practical and actionable.

  • Yes. Participants will receive CPE credit for attending the keynote and breakout sessions. Certificates or documentation will be provided after the event.

  • AUS: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

  • Book your room at the Renaissance Austin using this link

  • Yes! The hotel offers the same rate for the 3 days before and 3 days after the conference (subject to hotel room availability). Feel free to take advantage of this rate to book yourself a vacation. Call the Renaissance Austin Hotel directly to book your personal reservation, stating that you are booking under the Texas Center for Student Supports Convening block at the state rate.

  • Yes, breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be provided on Day 1. Breakfast will be provided on Day 2.

    • Complementary Mix & Mingle Event: Mon, 6/15 4:00 - 5:30 PM in the Glass Oaks Ballroom

    • Hotel Restaurants: Knotty Deck Kitchen & Bar (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner), Choza (Breakfast & Lunch) 

    • Hotel Amenities: Outdoor & Indoor Pools, Outdoor Games, Cozy Firepits, Fitness Center & Peloton Room, Complimentary Shuttle within 5-mile radius, including The Arboretum

    Nearby Restaurants: Bulevar Mexican Kitchen, Juliet Italian Kitchen, Eddie V’s Seafood, Truluck’s Steakhouse, Amy’s Ice Creams