Parent U Parent U is a series of virtual workshops for parents and guardians to help support their student in preparation of their postsecondary journey. Each month, families gain practical tools and information on college readiness, career planning, financial aid, mental health, and more. Spanish interpretation is available for all sessions.
Download the calendar PDF (English | Spanish)
2026–27 Parent U Sessions:
- August 12, 2026 – Earn College Credit While in High School:
Discover how students can earn free college credit while still in high school through Austin ISD's Early College High School, Dual Credit programs, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and OnRamps. Learn about program options, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how these opportunities can help students get a head start on college and future careers.
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- September 2, 2026 – Financial Aid 101: Paying for College, Trade School & Career Training
Paying for education after high school doesn't have to be overwhelming. Learn about FAFSA, TASFA, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities available for college, trade school, workforce training, and career certification programs. Discover resources to help make your student's postsecondary goals more affordable.Register for Session
- October 7, 2026 – Career and Technical Education (CTE): Exploring Career Opportunities
Explore the exciting career programs of study available through Austin ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Learn how students can discover their interests, gain hands-on work based learning experience, earn industry-recognized certifications, and prepare for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers while in middle and high school.
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- November 4, 2026 – Exploring Advanced Academic Opportunities:
Discover the wide range of advanced learning opportunities available in Austin ISD. Learn about programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Fine Arts, Multilingual Education, OnRamps, CTE, & Early College Programs, and student support services designed to help students explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for success after high school.
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- January 6, 2027 – Testing 101: A Guide for Students and Families
Understanding standardized tests can help students make informed decisions about their future. Join us to learn the purpose of the SAT, ACT, TSIA2, AP exams, and ASVAB, when students should take them, and how each assessment supports different college, career, and military pathways.
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- February 5, 2027 – College, Career & Military Readiness: What Counts and Why It Matters
What is College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), and why does it matter? Join us to learn how students can demonstrate CCMR through a variety of pathways and why these milestones are important for their future. We'll discuss how Austin ISD supports students in achieving College, Career, and Military Readiness goals and how families can help prepare their students for success after high school.
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- March 3, 2027 – The Road to Senior Year: Preparing for What's Next
Senior year is just around the corner! This session is designed for current juniors (11th grade students) and their families to help them prepare for a successful senior year. Learn about important timelines, college and career exploration opportunities, upcoming college fairs, and the next steps students can take to prepare for college, career training, military service, or the workforce before their senior year begins
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- April 1, 2026 – Thriving Through Transitions: Preparing for Next Steps
Join us to learn how families can support students through key educational transitions, from 5th to 6th grade, 8th to 9th grade, and high school to college, career training, military service, or the workforce. We'll discuss strategies for supporting students' mental well-being, behavior, and executive functioning during times of change, while also sharing resources to help graduating seniors stay on track throughout the summer and successfully transition to their next step.
Register for Session
If you miss a session, you can view past Parent U presentations online.