OneStar’s Investment in Education Supported by the Governor’s Competitive Council Report

AUSTIN - OneStar Foundation is addressing education challenges by investing $45 million of AmeriCorps*Texas funding in the success of Texas students. OneStar's current AmeriCorps grant opportunity is supported by the recently released Governors Competitiveness Council report. All AmeriCorps*Texas funding for 2009 through 2012 will focus on improving high school graduation rates, increasing students' academic performance and preparing Texas students for tomorrow's workforce.

"We are proactively investing in solutions that can prevent a future crisis," said OneStar CEO Susan Weddington. "This focused approach of investing AmeriCorps resources in the educational success of Texas' youth will have a positive impact on the future of Texas."

The Governor's Competitiveness Council released a report on Wednesday indicating that Texas students are underprepared for the global economic workforce. If students cannot obtain a strong math- and science-based education, they will not be able to compete in high-demand sectors of tomorrow's workforce, which will drastically affect the Texas economy.

OneStar welcomes the challenges of the report and is targeting an anticipated $45 million, over a three-year period, to AmeriCorps*Texas nonprofit programs that focus on the educational success of Texas' students. Those applying for the funding must focus on improving literacy and standardized test scores, increasing high school and post secondary graduation rates, and strengthening additional educational priorities.

Established in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, OneStar Foundation is designated by the State of Texas to engage nonprofits, government and businesses to impact social issues. OneStar serves as the AmeriCorps state service commission for Texas and administers the AmeriCorps*Texas program.

Information about the AmeriCorps*Texas program and application requirements are available on the net: www.OneStarFoundation.org.