Future Focus Conference

In today’s fast-paced nonprofit environment, organizations are being asked to do more with less, especially when it comes to fundraising and grant writing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and others have emerged as powerful, time-saving assistants for grant professionals. This interactive workshop explores how nonprofits, especially literacy-focused and community-based groups, can use AI to improve their grant narratives, streamline research, generate budgets, and strengthen their proposals without sacrificing authenticity of ethics.

From warm-up activities and vocabulary lessons to grammar topics and pronunciation practice, we’ll have a variety pack of ideas and activities to energize your classroom. In this collaborative session teachers will share ideas and strategies to help students improve literacy in the classroom and beyond.

In this session, we will discuss what Social Emotional Learning is, the 5 Core Competencies of SEL, Benefits of SEL, SEL in the classroom, Teaching Strategies, and Your Role as an Educator. Get excited about new ideas to utilize!

Practical information to help adults understand basic online security. This presentation covers common threats like phishing scams, weak passwords, and unsafe public Wi-Fi, explained in everyday language. Attendees will learn simple, effective steps to protect their personal information, including how to spot suspicious messages, create strong passwords, and use basic security tools like two-factor authentication. This session empowers everyone to navigate the digital world more safely, no matter their technical background.

Explore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.

Case managers for Debra Rodriguez, P.C. will discuss some of the myths and procedures to obtain legal permanent residence and/or work permission as well as deportation challenges and current event reality.

Recent scholarship suggests that using AI chatbots as mental health tools can support self-reflection, but they cannot currently replicate the nuance and empathy of human interaction. Studies indicate that while AI tools can increase access to support and provide short-term relief, no chatbot can match the relational depth of a human therapist. My presentation will show how, with proper training and boundaries, anyone can use AI as a practical tool for self-discovery and emotional regulation. When used responsibly, AI can build emotional literacy and resilience without replacing professional care.

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, adult learners face new challenges and opportunities that require more than basic literacy and numeracy. This dynamic session equips educators, workforce professionals, and program coordinators with the tools and insights needed to prepare learners for success in a technology-driven, AI-enhanced economy.

This presentation examines how digital technologies can be utilized to improve learning outcomes for adult ESL learners through content-based instruction (CBI), which addresses real-world literacy needs. Grounded in sociocultural learning theory, translanguaging pedagogy, and adult learning principles, the session highlights how tools like interactive platforms, multimedia resources, and adaptive language applications help learners develop functional English proficiency while acquiring essential life skills.

This interactive presentation will introduce the audience to the exciting field of Applied Linguistics and explain how it helps us understand and develop literacy skills in our community and beyond. TAMU-CC’s Applied Linguistics programs TESOL certificates will be presented focusing on the program’s longstanding partnership with the Corpus Christi Literacy Council and the local and international job opportunities it creates for TAMU-CC students. Finally, a former TAMU-CC TESOL student will share her experience in the program and after graduation.

Adult education programs across the country are experiencing the impacts of social, economic, and technological change- factors that often contribute to inconsistent attendance and student drop-off. In this timely and practical session, participants will explore strategies for increasing learner persistence and creating program environments that help adult students feel supported, connected, and motivated to stay.

In this 60 minute workshop, participants will be learning the three distinctive leadership disciplines to help become a stronger leader and a better teacher, coach, and volunteer. Participants will understand the definition of Emotional Intelligence…what it is and see examples; learn to explain ways that you can Empower students and co-workers; and explore ways to foster a spirit of Continuing Education within your organization.