The East Texas Cradle to Career Partnership (East Texas C2C) is focused on creating long-term educational and workforce development opportunities in the region. By working closely with local communities in Diboll and West Sabine, Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) is strengthening collaboration and aligning efforts to build a thriving East Texas.
ETXC2C implements high-quality programs tailored to local needs and works to improve coordination among education and workforce systems. Over time, this initiative will foster partnerships at the state, regional, and local levels, drive investments, and support policy efforts that contribute to long-term community development.
Diboll residents and leaders selected two indicators for focus in the first five years:
West Sabine residents and leaders selected two indicators for focus in the first five years:
The East Texas C2C vision is that all young people in East Texas will be on the path to economic mobility through postsecondary success because that is the surest path to a happy, healthy, and choice-filled life.
ETXC2C is a partnership between the TLL Temple Foundation and Partners for Rural Impact (PRI).
The TLL Temple Foundation aims to help rural communities in East Texas thrive and reduce poverty by creating access and opportunities for everyone. ETXC2C’s mission is to ensure all young people in East Texas achieve economic mobility through postsecondary success for a better life. Their combined strengths make this collaboration effective.
Collaboration is central to our efforts. In addition to partnering with the TLL Temple Foundation, ETXC2C collaborates with local schools, higher education, businesses and community groups in East Texas. At the center of the work are leadership tables in each community whose voices and desires for their community drive the work. These partnerships are vital to meet the unique challenges faced by our students and families, ensuring young people receive the necessary support and resources to succeed.
Jeff Walker
Executive Director
Jeff has served as a teacher and principal in public education in the East Texas region for 15 years. Most recently, he has served as director of an alternative education campus serving as a county-wide cooperative. Jeff has a strong desire to elevate students through exposure to post-secondary opportunities and mentorship and see students succeed beyond the classroom. Jeff received his bachelor’s in science from Hardin-Simmons University and his master’s in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Dr. Aubrey Jones
Associate Director of Programs
Aubrey has more than 10 years of experience in human development and human sciences. Before joining PRI, Aubrey worked within the government to enhance accessibility to quality programs for unserved and underserved youth and families. Aubrey is a published researcher with a focus area in mentorship and high impact practices. Her passion is to shine light on those who have been left in the dark. Aubrey’s education include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Downtown, a Master of Science in Human Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a PhD in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University, Wreck Em’!
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