Eliminating barriers to college access by preparing students for academic achievement
What is College Readiness?
Ensuring Students are College Ready
Students meet with their APIE College Readiness Advocate during the school day to build their skills in reading, writing, and math to prepare for the Texas Success Initiative assessment. Through small group instruction, Advocates customize student support and build meaningful relationships to encourage students every step of the way.
When students meet college readiness standards, they are eligible to enroll in college-level coursework in Austin ISD Early College High School programs or other higher education institutions, beginning their journey to post-secondary success.
Looking back on the three successful years I have had, I cannot see them happening without you. Without the persistence you showed me and pushing me to take the college readiness test...I believe those are the reasons as to why I continued my education to get to where I am today.
Manuel P., College Readiness Program
Our Impact on College Readiness
Students Meeting College Readiness Standards
APIE students perform better on STAAR and TSI exams than their non-APIE peers.
Significantly greater percentages of APIE participants met TSI college readiness than a matched comparison group and seniors across the district.
APIE’s College Readiness Program supports grades 8-12 at select middle and high schools.
4 out of 10 students enter college without the skills to succeed.
But we can help.
Too many students are entering college without the academic skills they need to succeed. By participating in our program, students are able to build the skills that will propel them to success.
Participating in our College Readiness Program provides the academic coaching students need to:
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…