On May 17, participants in this year's UpClose Leadership program were honored during a graduation ceremony at the Clifton Center.

During the past year, participants learned about the district's curriculum and instruction, safety and security, campus operations, human capital, facilities, HB5 and graduation plans, budget and finance, district operations, and board governance.

The class was divided into four groups, each of which worked with a specific chool to help improve literacy rates and increase attendance rates. The four schools were:

* Literacy (TA Brown Elementary School)

* Literacy (Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy)

* Attendance (Oak Spring Elementary School)

* Attendance (Burnet Middle School)

 More than 276 community members and parents have gone through the free program since it began in 2007.

AISD UpClose graduates are challenged to become leaders and advocates for the district, to volunteer on committees and task forces, to speak up when misinformation circulates, and to encourage other parents and community members to get informed and involved.

Applications for the 2016-2017 class are now available. The deadline to apply is July 22. Please contact celso.baez@austinisd.org for more information or visit www.austinisd.org/upclose.