Want to make a difference in Houston public schools?
Join Houston’s top minds
to shape the future of public education.
Wednesday
October 29, 2025
connectED is Houston’s premier public education summit – where bold ideas and big voices come together to shape the future of our schools and our city. This year, be among the first to see Good Reason Houston’s new economic mobility progress indicators as part of our annual Snapshot on how the system is serving students. We’ll explore what the data reveals, what’s working, and what still needs to change to ensure every child in Houston can climb the ladder of opportunity. Join the movement to create a future where all students can thrive.
CO-CHAIRS
Alexandra & Jeffrey Butt
Alexandra and Jeffrey Butt proudly co-chair connectED 2025, combining legal and business expertise with a shared passion for innovation, education, and community to inspire impactful collaboration and drive meaningful change for the public education.
Every child, in every neighborhood should be prepared to thrive in the Houston of tomorrow.
Read the Phase I Report
Building the Future Workforce:
Understanding Predictors of Postsecondary Success in Texas
Phase 2 of Postsecondary Research Project will dive deep into how our students’ K-12 experiences are connected to postsecondary outcomes, including postsecondary credential attainment, and living wage attainment. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect to learn more about…
Graduates who took 5 or more advanced courses in high school were more than 3x as likely to attain credentials than those who took no advanced courses.
Graduates with a professional certification were 3.1x more likely to meet living wage standards for a single earner with no dependents six years after high school than those with no postsecondary credential. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees were 4.3x more likely.
Only 3% of 2016 Houston region graduates were meeting living wage standards for a single earner household with one dependent six years after high school graduation.
Stay tuned! We will host additional events to learn and engage more about this research!
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
DR. LATONYA GOFFNEY
Aldine ISD Superintendent
FEATURED SPEAKER
RAJ CHETTY
Professor of Public Economics,
Harvard University
Raj Chetty is one of the world’s leading experts on economic opportunity and mobility. Join us at connectED 2025 to hear him share powerful insights on how place, policy, and education shape life outcomes and what it means for Houston’s future.
How You Can Help Houston Schools
Build Awareness
Advocate & Influence
Advise School Systems
Commit to Be a Changemaker
I would like to...(select all that apply)
Thank You to Our Sponsors
District Supporter
Neighborhood Hero
Kinder Foundation
Soraya and Scott McClelland
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
School Partner
Alexandra and Jeffrey Butt
Sarah and Doug Foshee
Jill and Dunham Jewett
MGT
Grade Level Advocate
Boston Consulting Group
CITGO
Earl Hesterberg
Houston ISD Foundation
Houston Texans
J.P.Morgan
Flo McGee
Beverly and Jim Postl
Regina Rogers
Judy and Charles Tate
Student Ally
Dorothy and Mickey Ables
Bailey Education Group
Denise Smith Consulting
Education Elements
Vicki and Bob Harvey
Chanler Langham
Caroline and Jeff Shaddix
Christy Stewart
Teach For America Houston
Economic Mobility & Public Education Panel
What Will it Take?
This mainstage panel will bring together education, business, and civic leaders to tackle a critical question: What will it take to ensure Houston students graduate prepared not just for the next grade — but for a life of real opportunity?
Moderated by Cary Wright, this conversation will surface bold ideas, cross-sector solutions, and the urgent need for regional coordination.
Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher
Chancellor, Houston Community College
Steve Kean
CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
Amanda McMillian
CEO, United Way of Greater Houston
Mike Miles
Superintendent, Houston ISD
Questions or Table Inquiries?
Please email events@goodreasonhouston.org
