Outreach Programs

Librarians and Educators Day
Friday, March 22

Co-sponsored by the South Texas Literacy Coalition, this event will invite librarians, teachers and administrators to come learn about the latest initiatives and programs available to improve students’ literacy skills. During the morning of Librarians and Educators Day, attendees will be able to spectate the Congressional Roundtable, hosted by Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15), which brings together renowned guest authors, educators, exceptional scholars, and high-profile key community figures to discuss the importance of fostering literacy from the onset of early childhood.

GEAR UP Days at UTPA
Thursday & Friday, March 21-22

Students from Region One ESC GEAR UP Program will visit the campus and experience an exciting, educational and inspiring lineup of presenters and activities, geared towards improving their literacy skills, making them cognizant of the importance of reading and writing in their career and life success, and encouraging them to pursue healthy lifestyles.

Texas Book Festival - Reading Rock Stars Program
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 19-20

The Texas Book Festival will bring books to life for young readers during FESTIBA 2013 through Reading Rock Stars, an engaging literacy program in which authors from across the country are invited to present their works to students in economically-disadvantaged public schools. List of confirmed Reading Rock Stars authors include Liz Garton Scanlon, Gwendolyn Zepeda, Rene Saldana, Mara Price, Winifred Conkling, Diane Bertrand, and Don Tate. At the end of the book presentations, each child receives an autographed copy of the book, and a set of books is also given to the school library.

Schools for 2013:
Diaz-Villarreal Elementary, Mission
Eligio Kika de la Garza Elementary, Mission
Evangelina Garza Elementary, Mission
W.J. Clinton Elementary, Penitas
Ruben Hinojosa Elementary, Mercedes
Perez Elementary, McAllen