History

Education to Employment Partners (E2E), formerly Citizens for Educational Excellence (CEE), was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization in 2003 by the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation as a way to improve high school graduation rates. The CEE name was changed to E2E in 2020 to better reflect the organization’s mission, which is to bring together people, information, and resources to increase educational and job attainment in the Coastal Bend.

Led by a 17-member board of directors, E2E provides youth programs, conducts professional development for educators, leads education forums, and establishes programs designed to increase postsecondary and career success.

Major initiatives include:

• Regional P-16 Council
• Emerging Professionals Internship Program
• Coastal Compass Education and Career Resource Center
• Recapture Your Dream for adult college completion
• Serving as the Education Designee for the City of Corpus Christi

E2E also works with national, state, and local organizations, including the Lumina Foundation, The Graduate Network, National College Attainment Network, National League of Cities, Trellis Foundation, and the City of Corpus Christi’s Education/Workforce Committee.

E2E leads the Regional P-16 Council, which encourages postsecondary and career readiness through student conferences and events; professional development for educators, including a teacher externship program; community leadership seminars; college preparatory courses; 14 guided pathways to high demand Coastal Bend careers.  The Emerging Professionals Internship Program encourages high school students to prepare for in-demand Coastal Bend jobs with both the technical and essentials skills for the workplace.  Efforts to increase postsecondary outcomes for rural Coastal Bend students were enhanced in 2020 through a partnership with rootEd Alliance, Inc.  Dedicated advisors serve rural students on the high school campuses of Alice, Aransas Pass, and Sinton, and E2E looks to expand to other high schools in the coming years.

E2E established Coastal Compass Education and Career Resource Center at La Palmera Mall in 2013, as a free source of information and personalized assistance.  Through partnerships with the City of Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend College, Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi Literacy Council, Craft Training Center, Crossroads Adult Education, Del Mar College, Education Service Center Region II, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Goodwill of South Texas, Saint Leo University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, University of the Incarnate Word, and Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, direct assistance is provided to the public. In 2015, E2E was the recipient of a Charity League of Corpus Christi grant in the amount of $250,000, which provided for the purchase of the Coastal Compass Mobile Center.  The Mobile Center provides the same services as the mall location at various locations in the community and rural areas of the Coastal Bend region.  The Recapture Your Dream program helps adults, who have some college but no degree, complete their postsecondary education.

In efforts to strengthen collaboration and educational alignment, E2E was named the Education Designee for the City of Corpus Christi.  E2E also leads the Mayor’s Education/Workforce Committee, and through the work of the stakeholders, an Education/Workforce Strategic Plan was adopted in 2017 with the overarching goal being 60 percent of the Corpus Christi population will have a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2030.  Members meet bi-annually to review goals and strategies.  In 2018, the Lumina Foundation named Corpus Christi a Talent Hub and provided E2E with a grant in the amount of $275,000 to increase educational attainment rates by meeting the needs of specific populations.

(click images to see historical photo galleries)

Citizens for Educational Excellence, dba. Education to Employment
Partners Non-Discrimination Policy Cont.

1. Non-Discrimination Statement
E2E prohibits discrimination based on person’s race, color, national origin,
sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental, physical, or
invisible), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or
parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical
history), military service, civil rights or EEOP complaint filing status, or any
other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to ensuring that all
individuals have equal access to participate in our programs and activities,
and that no person is excluded or treated unfairly because of their identity.
CEE prohibits retaliation or reprisal against any employee who raises
discrimination or harassment concerns or participates in any Equal
Employment Opportunity activity including filing a complaint against a
supervisor or coworker, reporting harassment of a service member,
volunteer, contractor, or employee, or providing a witness statement during
an investigation.
This policy applies to all E2E programs, including recruitment, selection,
service opportunities, training, and any other activities conducted by E2E in
the implementation of services.
2. Equal Opportunity
E2E promotes equal opportunity in all areas of our operations. We ensure
that all participants, employees, and volunteers are treated fairly and with
respect, regardless of their background, personal characteristics, or beliefs.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where all
individuals can thrive and succeed in their service to the community.
3. Compliance with Federal Regulations

In addition to our internal commitment to non-discrimination, E2E adheres
to federal regulations, including:

•  AmeriCorps regulations (45 CFR § 1225): These guidelines ensure
  that all AmeriCorps programs are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination on
  the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities
  receiving federal financial assistance.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Prohibits
  discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits
  discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975: Prohibits discrimination based
  on age in programs and activities receiving federal assistance.

4. AmeriCorps-Specific Non-Discrimination
As part of our commitment to AmeriCorps, we ensure that all AmeriCorps
members and applicants are afforded equal treatment in their service
opportunities. No individual will be excluded from participation, denied
benefits, or subjected to discrimination under any AmeriCorps program on
the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other
protected categories.
5. Harassment-Free Environment
E2E is dedicated to maintaining a harassment-free environment for all
participants and members. Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation will
not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment based on
race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability,
or any other status protected by law.
6. Reasonable Accommodations
E2E is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals
with disabilities to ensure equal participation in the AmeriCorps program. If
you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the program,
please contact our Director of Operations to discuss your needs.
7. Complaint and Grievance Procedure
If you believe that you have experienced discrimination or harassment in
violation of this policy, you are encouraged to file a grievance in accordance
with our Grievance Policy. The grievance process allows individuals to
formally report any concerns and ensures that each complaint is taken
seriously and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
8. Retaliation Prohibited
E2E strictly prohibits retaliation or reprisal against any individual who files a
complaint, participates in a grievance process, or asserts their rights under
this non-discrimination policy. Retaliation is unlawful and will be treated as a
serious violation of our policies.
9. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
E2E is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all
individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive. We value diversity in
all its forms, and we actively seek to create an environment where
individuals from all walks of life feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Contact Information
If you have any questions about this non-discrimination policy or need
assistance in filing a grievance, please contact:
E2E Director of Operations
(361) 563-5159
info@e2epartners.org