In partnership with United Way Galveston, the Rotary Club of Galveston installed a Born Learning Trail at Austin Elementary School on February 9, 2025. The Trail consists of 10 interactive signs printed in both English and Spanish along with colorful artwork painted on the sidewalks and adjoining walls.
The Born Learning Trail provides quality early learning experiences for all children which is a key driver of school readiness and subsequent graduation rates. The 750 students at Austin Elementary School are at high risk of dropping out and rely on public assistance and free or reduced-price lunch. Interaction with the Trail will help mitigate those risks. In addition to the students, neighborhood residents benefit from both the educational and creative aspects of the Trail as well as the mental health benefits of engaging in outdoor activities.
Rotary District 5910 and the Galveston Rotary Foundation provided financial support for this project. Non-financial support was provided through volunteers of UWG and the Rotary Club of Galveston along with its Rotaractors and Interactors. The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on April 9, 2025, which was attended by representatives of the Rotary Club of Galveston, UWG, Austin Elementary School/GISD, and the Chamber.