Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks, trust, and local systems expand access to opportunity.

Workforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging, access, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education, business, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships, not just programs, create durable pathways to economic mobility.

Parking Information

The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

An intro workshop for those facing transition, considering a pivot, or curious about what life could be.

What if your next chapter could be your most aligned, resilient, and whole?

Design Your Life is a reflective and interactive mini-workshop for senior fellows who are anticipating or navigating change—professionally or personally—and are ready to begin aligning their time, energy, and purpose.

Especially for those who are:

• Entering or navigating retirement

• Experiencing a life transition

• Hungry for more meaning and fulfillment

Participants will leave with:

• The basics of a roadmap for the season ahead.

• Renewed confidence in the face of change.

• A renewed sense of story, resilience, and possibility.

Note: Those interested in continuing the journey will be invited to participate in an ongoing community of practice scheduled for early 2026.

Space is limited — register soon to confirm your spot.

There are many free adult education programs all over Houston to help you continue your education, learn more about your finances, or get the job you are seeking for.

Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy
On September 17, 2019, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner officially launched the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL.) The MOAL will focus on enhancing adult literacy advocacy and awareness and its impact on our economy, communities, families and individuals. The MOAL will also promote awareness of, and advocate and build capacity for, Adult Literacy and Adult Education causes and providers in the City of Houston.

Houston Public Library
Staff will connect with customers via phone or online and can advise on college application/admission, financial aid, career planning, college transition, adult learners, and much more.  They will respond within 48 hours to make an appointment.

Harris County Department of Education
Harris Country department of Education offers free Adult Basic Literacy, math skills, GED, and ESL courses at over 65 sites.

Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM)
This center offers ABE and ESL courses for free. They also offer a variety of special classes for registered students that include: conversation courses, computer skills, workplace skills, and more.

MAM Literacy Advance (Wilcrest)
MAM provides free Literacy Advance classes are free. All their classes are for basic learning.

Relational Tech Project nurtures a builder community focused on people-centered, “village-scale” technology. Work spans storytelling, resources, and a forum for practitioners building tools that prioritize human relationships. See the project home and writing archive for the latest essays and updates.

Living Learning Libraries curates high-quality “living books” and lends them to families and educators. The project began in 2016 and operates multiple pickup locations in Palm Beach County, with an emphasis on practical borrowing, volunteer power, and sharing know-how for starting similar libraries.

When people understand symptoms early and know where to go, recovery is faster and outcomes improve. MHA of Greater Houston builds community capacity—training schools and providers, linking families to help, and shaping policies that make care affordable, accessible, and stigma-free.

Save The Date:

Thursday, November 6, 2025

A celebration of gratitude and vision, Power Up: Impact of a Million brings together individual donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and alumni to mark a major moment in Compudopt’s history: reaching one million lives impacted.

The event will feature:

• Inspirational speakers and stories from community members, volunteers and staff
  
  

• A showcase of Compudopt’s journey and future vision
  
  

• Live entertainment, lunch, celebratory toast, and meaningful connection
  
  

• A giving moment to support The Next Million

Why This Matters

Racism damages health, weakens civic trust, and fractures communities. The Center's facilitated dialogues build shared language and listening skills, helping people examine racial conditioning, heal harm, and take collaborative action across lines of difference.

Why It Matters
Access to quality education is directly tied to civic participation, economic mobility, and systemic equity. By focusing on the physical and financial infrastructure of schools, Civic Builders helps communities transform vacant buildings, underutilized lots, and scarce resources into thriving centers of learning. This work addresses structural inequities, particularly for low-income, Black, and Hispanic families disproportionately affected by lack of access to quality facilities.

Why This Matters

Democracy and social justice aren't competing priorities—they're deeply interconnected. The Forum recognizes that othering can't be countered through more othering, and that democracy rooted in belonging means engaging with those different from ourselves. In an era of rising authoritarianism and toxic fragmentation, building bridges while centering marginalized communities is essential for strengthening democratic systems that serve everyone.

Books Unbanned is a bold initiative by Brooklyn Public Library to counter censorship and increase access to diverse books for young readers. This program allows teens and young adults ages 13–21 anywhere in the United States to get a free digital library card—giving them access to a wide array of e-books and audiobooks, including many titles being challenged or banned across the country.