On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area hosted our Fall Breakfast Club at the Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus—bringing together community leaders, partners, and advocates who share a commitment to building brighter futures for Austin’s youth. Guests heard from an inspiring panel featuring Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Aaron Demerson, President & CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation, and Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent of Round Rock ISD. Together, they explored how investing in young people today fuels workforce development, strengthens families, and creates a stronger community for tomorrow.
Aaron Demerson, President & CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation
We kicked off our conversation with Aaron Demerson, who underscored the critical link between education, workforce, and economic growth. He explained that Texas’ competitive edge depends on a strong, skilled talent pipeline—and without intentional investments in youth, businesses will look elsewhere. Demerson pointed to industries like AI, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing that demand future-ready skills. Collaboration between schools, elected officials, nonprofits, and businesses will be essential to prepare students for these opportunities. At BGCAA, programs like Next Gen Academy are already opening doors by giving teens hands-on experience, industry exposure, and credentials that set them on a path to success.
“Employers need access to a workforce ready to step into high-demand jobs,” he said. “If our kids are successful, then our state is successful.”
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent of Round Rock ISD
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez credited partnerships with parents, local businesses, and organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs as vital to building a supportive ecosystem. He also stressed the importance of mentorship and belonging youth find at Clubs every day after school, during the summer, and throughout their teenage years. These are the moments where education meets opportunity, and where young people gain the confidence to dream bigger.
“We are not just preparing students for today’s jobs, but also for the jobs that will exist 12 years from now.”
Travis County Judge Andy Brown
“When kids have access to quality childcare and afterschool programs, parents can work, children can thrive, and our community grows stronger.”
As the panel concluded, one message was clear: preparing young people for the future requires intentional, proactive, and collaborative investment from every sector of the community. Workforce development, education, and out-of-school time programs each play a vital role in ensuring that the next generation has the tools and opportunities to thrive. Events like the Fall Breakfast Club highlight the importance of these conversations and the shared responsibility of building a stronger Austin for all.
Together, we are building a stronger community for all.
Austin Needs Club Kids. Club Kids Need You.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, we know this work is only possible through strong partnerships. Partner with us today to invest in Austin’s youth and build a stronger community for tomorrow. Become a Community Partner!
