“Start Here, Go Anywhere,” initiative hosted in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands and RiseBack. This event marks the official launch of an Affordable Higher Education Initiative designed to transform access to quality education and empower individuals to achieve their dreams.

Event Details:
Date: March 18th, 2025
Venue: Arlington Life Center, 325 W. Division Street, Arlington, Texas 76011
Time: 7:00 -10.00 PM

This groundbreaking initiative will make undergraduate, graduate, and professional IT certification programs accessible at an incredibly affordable cost, enabling students, professionals, and underserved communities to pursue higher education without financial barriers. With Texas emerging as a key IT and AI hub, this initiative will help build a highly skilled workforce by offering university degree programs (Undergraduate & Graduate/Masters degree) (ranging from $ 2000  –3,000 entire program) and professional IT certifications starting at just $250.

Empowering Underserved Communities
As part of this initiative, residents of the Arlington Life Shelter and the Metroplex Women’s Clinic will be offered IT certificate courses to help them embark on careers in technology. This effort aims to uplift underserved communities by providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the growing tech industry.

• Innovative Repayment Model: Education First, Pay After Employment
  To ensure financial constraints do not limit access to education, we are introducing a sustainable and student-friendly repayment model:
• Zero upfront cost options for eligible students
  Students begin repayment only after securing a job, ensuring financial security
• Low-cost, flexible repayment plans tailored to individual circumstances
• Rotary-funded scholarships and grants for those facing extreme hardship

This model guarantees that students can focus on their studies and career growth without the immediate burden of tuition fees. By aligning education with employment, we empower students to rise out of financial hardship and contribute meaningfully to society.

Event Highlights:
Keynote Speeches by distinguished guests, including:

• Chief Guest: Jim Ross, Mayor of Arlington, Texas
• Guest of Honor: Jeff Williams, Former Mayor of Arlington, Texas
• Special Guests of Honor: Dan & Linda Dipert, Philanthropists
• Guest Honor: Mike Gerro, Market President for Frost Bank
• International Guest of Honor (UK): Dr. Ikram Butt, UK Rugby Player & President of BARA
• International Guest of Honor (India): Imran Khan, Award-Winning Fulbright Scholar, App Guru, Recognized by the Prime Minister of India
• International Guest of Honor (New Zealand): Subash Chandra, Award-Winning Mathematician Educationist
• Keynote speeches by Rotary Leaders, Strategic Partners, RiseBack Founder, and Community Leaders
• Networking Opportunities with education leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals

Why Partner with Us as a Strategic Ally?

• Align with a global, high-impact initiative making education more affordable
• Empower professionals with cutting-edge technology skills
• Drive the creation of high-paying job opportunities
• Support and nurture local talent
• Boost economic growth and development
• Foster innovation and fuel the startup ecosystem

Join Us Virtually or In Person:

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81588892631?pwd=8elVt9akBXmUXB01bSM2b9ZXIeEylj.1

• Meeting ID: 815 8889 2631
• Passcode: 732680

Google Calendar Link: https://calendar.app.google/hjFN3PCPev8gUpSY8