A Workshop For Parents Who Like to Plan Ahead! 🎓

At RioProgress, we believe it’s never too early to start preparing for college. That’s why we’re excited to invite families to our upcoming workshop, College Ready at Every Age, sponsored by CROSSHATCH BTX designed specifically for parents of students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Oh and its FREE in English & Spanish.

CROSSHATCH BTX · 1018 E Washington St, Brownsville, TX 78520

★★★★☆ · Coworking space

CROSSHATCH BTX · 1018 E Washington St, Brownsville, TX 78520

SPONSORED

Special thanks to CROSSHATCH BTX for sponsoring this FREE parents session. Learn more about how they aim to benefit our community by visiting their website.

Learn more

College Ready at Every Age is a free workshop for parents of students in grades K–12. Whether your child is just starting school or getting ready for college, this event will help you understand what steps to take now to support their future.

Navigating today’s education system can feel confusing and stressful, especially when you're trying to plan for your child's future without a clear roadmap. These free workshops are here to change that. Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for college, you’ll walk away with practical tools, expert advice, and a sense of direction—so you can stop guessing and start guiding with confidence.

Session By:
Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus

Maria Fernanda Martinez-Donaus is a Brownsville native and Jack Kent Cooke Scholar. She earned her bachelor’s degree in American Studies with an Education concentration from Columbia University, a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at Baylor University. Her sessions focus on empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children at every stage of their educational journey.

We’ll cover age-appropriate guidance for both elementary/middle school and high school students, including how to build strong habits, plan ahead, and access important college and financial aid resources.

📘 Kindergarden to 7th Grade

Build a Strong Foundation Early

Dates & Times:

• Monday, September 8, 2025
  6:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 9, 2025
  6:00 PM

What We'll Cover:

• Key academic and developmental milestones by grade level
• How to recognize signs your child is thriving—or falling behind
• Tips for encouraging curiosity, motivation, and independent thinking
• Building good habits early: routines, reading, and organization
• How to use parent-teacher conferences and report cards to plan ahead
• Talking with your child’s school counselor about future goals
• Free and low-cost resources available to support your child’s growth

Parents will leave with a clear understanding of what they and their children should be working toward at each grade level, and how to set the stage now for a smooth transition into middle and high school.

🎓 8th–12th Grade

Plan Ahead for High School, College & Beyond

Dates & Times:

• Wednesday, September 10, 2025
  6:00 PM
• Thursday, September 11, 2025
  6:00 PM

What We'll Cover:

• How to help your student narrow down areas of interest or career goals
• The importance of extracurriculars, volunteering, and summer programs
• Milestones by grade: from 8th grade planning to 12th grade applications
• Key conversations to have with your child and their school counselor
• How to prepare for college applications: courses, testing, and timelines
• Financial aid basics and what you can do now to get ahead
• Resources available in the community and online to support your journey

This session is focused on giving parents a roadmap from middle school through senior year, so they can help their student not only get into college—but thrive when they get there.

Join us for a helpful, easy-to-follow session in English or Spanish. You’ll walk away with practical tips and tools to support your child—no matter their age.