FAQ

When was APIE founded?

APIE was created in 1983 as a joint project with Austin Independent School District and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. It became a 501(c)(3) organization in June 2004.

What is APIE’s mission?

APIE creates and fosters effective community and school partnerships that provide all AISD students preparation for college and career.

How does APIE pursue its mission?

We offer the following programs to support the success of AISD students:

Our flagship Classroom Coaching model has received best practices recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has been cited as an example of Better Use of Community Resources by the U.S. Department of Education.

What type of people volunteer?

Our volunteers are college students, full-time workers, part-time workers, freelancers, retirees, and more. They’re diverse, and they’re awesome.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Through our website! Visit our volunteer page to find an opening.

What is the time commitment required from volunteers?

Volunteers meet with their students or mentees for 45 minutes once weekly throughout the school year.

Where and when are the trainings? Do you have a training schedule?

Training schedules are available at the beginning of the school year. Check back with us in August!

Are you in every school?

We offer our Classroom Coaching, Step-Up, and College Readiness programs in 26 schools in AISD, but not every school. With more funding and volunteers in future years, we plan to expand to more schools.

Are you hiring?

Check out our website to see if we have any openings.

Do you offer internships or work study positions?

We do! You can see openings here.

Do you have a summer program?

No, our programs are offered only during the school year.

How can I get involved other than volunteering?

We offer internship and work study programs, and there are multiple ways you can support us, including Adopt-a-School.

Have any other questions? Leave us a comment!

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Announcement: Leadership Transition

Isadora Day Named Interim Executive Director Following Dr. Cathy Jones Departure

June 25, 2025 – Austin Partners in Education (APIE) has announced a leadership transition following the departure of longtime Executive Director Dr. Cathy Jones, who will begin a new role as CEO of UP Partnership, a nonprofit serving young people across Bexar County. After 13 years of dedicated service to APIE and Austin ISD, Dr. Jones leaves behind a strong legacy of community collaboration, student-centered innovation, and organizational growth.

With Cathy’s departure, the APIE Board of Directors has appointed Isadora Day as Interim Executive Director, effective July 14, 2025. Day most recently served as Director of Programs at APIE, where she has led high-impact initiatives in college readiness, mentoring, and math intervention for Austin ISD students…