Stay up to date on the latest tools, policies, and best practices to support student success.  

 

The Texas OnCourse Professional Learning Series provides free, high-quality digital learning opportunities focused on college and career planning. Participants can connect with colleagues and learn from expert guest speakers on counseling and advising topics. Whether you're a seasoned counselor or new to advising, this series offers valuable insights and resources to enhance your impact.  

 

Tiny Takes:    

These concise, 30-minute sessions provide you with essential insights and resources for college and career advising. Each of the sessions can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, delivering practical, ready-to-use information.  

Who should attend? Middle and high school educators, advisors, counselors, administrators, and higher education staff.  

 

Professional Learning Series dates:   

Tuesday Webinars: Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 (CST) 

Thursday Tiny Takes:  Oct. 20, Nov. 17 (CST) 

Check out the Professional Learning Series Schedule for all of our upcoming sessions!  

 

Previously Recorded Professional Learning Series are available for viewing 

 

Note: If you opted out of our email list, you will not receive information about the series until you Opt in again. 

 

Reimagining College and Career Exploration with My Texas Future and Direct Admissions

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Aug. 11 | 10 am to 11 am CDT

Discover how My Texas Future and Direct Admissions can empower students to explore college and career opportunities, develop personalized postsecondary plans, and learn about admission pathways. Participants will learn how these tools help students identify admission opportunities and make informed decisions about their future.

Navigating ApplyTexas Tools for Students and Counselors

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Sep 8, 2026 | 10 am to 11 am CDT

Join us for an overview of the ApplyTexas system, including the Applicant Portal and Counselor Suite. Explore how students complete and track applications, and discover brand-new tools that let counselors manage student records, monitor financial aid filing statuses, and check admission application progress, so you can support students throughout the college application process.

Get ready for Free College Application Week 2026!

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Sep 15, 2026 |10 am to 11 am CDT

During Free College Application Week, October 12–18, institutions statewide waive application fees for students applying using the ApplyTexas platform. In this session, we will share best practices for promoting participation, highlight student success stories, address frequently asked questions, and provide ready-to-use resources to support your efforts. Learn how you can maximize student engagement and ensure Free College Application Week is a meaningful and successful experience for your students.

Financial Aid Essentials for Educators and Advisors

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Oct 13, 2026 | 10 am to 11 am CDT

Help students turn college dreams into reality by strengthening your understanding of the financial aid process. In this session, educators and advisors will explore the fundamentals of FAFSA and TASFA completion, review current financial aid updates, and discover practical strategies for supporting students and families every step of the way. 

New Features, Better Support: Exploring ApplyTexas Updates

Oct 20, 2026 | 10 am to 10:30 am CDT
Discover the ApplyTexas system’s recent changes, including new features within the Applicant Portal and Counselor Suite. Learn how these updates can streamline counselors’ workflows and enhance their ability to guide students through the application process.

Aligning Purpose and Practice: Strategies to Foster a College and Career Readiness Culture

Nov 10, 2026 | 10 am to 11 am CDT
Designed for school counselors and educators to collaborate together, this session will highlight practical strategies for integrating Texas OnCourse Academy, ApplyTexas, My Texas Future, and ADVi into daily work with students. Participants will explore ways to strengthen advising, support informed postsecondary planning, and build a sustainable, schoolwide approach that promotes college and career success for all students.

Understanding the Texas First Program

Nov 17, 2026 | 10 am to 10:30 am CDT
Join us for an overview of the Texas First Program, including eligibility requirements and award process. Whether you are new to the Texas First Program or looking for a refresher, this webinar will help you identify students qualified to participate.