ESC GCA Institute 2027
About the GCA Institute
The general content of the institute will be federal grant management and compliance with information specific to the grant programs administered by the Department of Grant Compliance and Administration.
Who Should Attend?
Attendance is limited to ESC staff administering federal grant programs. Sessions will be specific to programs administered by the GCA Department. Please do not share this information with non-ESC staff.
Please note that ESC program staff for the following programs as per the ESC ESSA Basic Services grant will be required to attend the GCA Institute: Title I, Part A; Title I, Part C; Title II, Part A; and Title IV, Part A.
Additionally, the Title I, Part A ESC ESSA Basic Services grant requirements will also include at least one ESC staff member from the ESC business office/business services that provides guidance to LEAs related to federal programs finance/business office operations, or its equivalent, is required to attend the Department of Grant Compliance and Administration (GCA) Institute in addition to the ESC staff responsible for the implementation of program activities.
GCA Institute for ESCs
Planned in partnership between the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative and the Texas Education Agency’s Department of Grant Compliance & Administration
Phone: (325) 675-7007
Email: t1si@esc14.net
Fee: $325 per atttendee
Format: In-person only
Dates: March 2-4, 2027
Location: San Marcos, Texas
Important Dates
Friday, February 5, 2027
Registration closes at 5:00pm CST
Thursday, February 18, 2027
Last day to cancel with refund at 4:00 CST*
Thursday, February 18, 2027
Last day to substitute at 4:00pm CST*
*must receive in writing at t1si@esc14.net
More Event Information
No onsite registration.
ESC staff members and TEA staff should check in at the registration table upon arrival to receive their name badge and institute materials. Sign in sheets will be at the registration table daily to track attendance.
*As a courtesy to fellow attendees and presenters, early departures are discouraged.
The Institute will be conducted 100% in-person; no virtual option.
🪑Room Setup
The room(s) will be set up in round tables of 8-10 where all attendees are facing towards the front of the room.
📄Session Handouts
This event website has been set up for attendees to access the session handouts and any other materials attendees will need for each session. We will not provide or print any handouts.
🍽️Food, Beverage, and Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten sensitive, dairy sensitive), please let us know by submitting this form. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Beverages (water, tea, coffee) will be served through the day for Day 1 and Day 2, as well as in the morning on Day 3.
Lunch will be provided Day 1. Lunch on your own Day 2.
Afternoon snacks will be provided Day 1 and Day 2.
💻Laptops/Devices
The expectation of the Institute is to be engaged and present. We understand that attendees may want to take notes on their computers, however, please stay on task with the Institute.
Charging stations will be available for attendees.
Certificates of Attendance
ESC will be able to access certificates through Region 14 ESC’s Pitstop at the conclusion of the Institute. Login to your Pitstop account to view and download your certificate.
Contact the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative at t1si@esc14.net if you need assistance.
Institute Location and Lodging
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
1001 E McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 392-6450
This year’s GCA Institute will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center.
Ideally located right off I-35, the hotel is less than a mile from the massive San Marcos Premium and Tanger Outlets, one of the largest luxury shopping destinations in the country. It also sits just minutes from Texas State University and the famous, spring-fed San Marcos River, offering quick access to collegiate events and outdoor tubing. Additionally, its central location places guests within a short drive of both historic downtown San Marcos and the major metro hubs of Austin and San Antonio.
Each room offers a 2-room suite with a living room, separate bedroom, microwave, and refrigerator. Additional amenities include free buffet breakfast, complimentary evening reception, indoor pool and fitness center.
- *Participants must make their own lodging arrangements.
- A block of rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center. The group rate is $110 (or prevailing government per diem) per night for single and double occupancy plus applicable taxes and fees.
- Room rate is available to attendees for check-in starting 03/01/2027 through check-out on 03/03/2027.
- Direct Booking Link
- The cutoff date to book the group rate will be 01/30/27and valid for the nights of 03/01/27- 03/03/27.
- Guests can also call Hilton Central Reservations at 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667) or via the hotel directly at 512-308-3883.
- Guests can refer to the group name Grant Compliance & Administration Institute.
- Hotel Amenities:
- Guest parking rate of $15 per night per vehicle.
- Complimentary “Made to Order” buffet breakfast per in house guest from 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
- Complimentary “Evening Social” per in house guest from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
- Complimentary in-room internet.
Resources & Handouts
2027 Day 1 Resources
Access and download Day 1 Resources for the GCA Institute
2027 Day 2 Resources
Access and download Day 2 Resources for the GCA Institute
2027 Day 3 Resources
Access and download Day 3 Resources for the GCA Institute
2026 GCA Institute Resources
View the 2026 GCA Institute Resources
Get ready to be inspired and informed at GCA Institute 2027!
Download the full schedule *Coming soon
Schedule
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Tuesday, March 2, 2027
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Start Time: TBD | End Time: TBD
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Lunch Provided
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Wednesday, March 3, 2027
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Start Time: TBD | End Time: TBD
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Thursday, March 4, 2027
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Start Time: TBD | End Time: TBD
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General Session
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🛜CONFERENCE WIFI🛜: Instructions for connecting to the Institute’s wifi will be included here.
Theme & Dress Code: Please follow your ESC policy.
- March 2 (Tuesday): Details to come.
- March 3 (Wednesday): Details to come.
- March 4 (Thursday): Details to come.
Dress Code Explained *Details to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Registration will be conducted through Region 14 ESC’s Pitstop application.
- Setup a Pitstop account.
- Register for the conference using this link:
- Complete payment.
- Retain your confirmation email for your records.
Questions about your registration? Email t1si@esc14.net.
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There is no virtual or hybrid attendance option for the GCA Institute.
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Register with Region 14 ESC Pitstop:
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Enter this URL in your browser: https://www.pitstop.esc14.net.
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In the top right corner, select REQUEST ACCOUNT.
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Enter your email address. Confirm email address. Select NEXT.
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Enter the required information. Select REQUEST.
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Credit card or Purchase Order (PO) payments are accepted. For questions about payment, email t1si@esc14.net.
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To keep registration costs low for ESCs, we will only be providing the following food at the Institute:
- Coffee will be provided daily in the morning.
- Lunch will be provided Day 1.
- Tea and water will be provided Day 1 and Day 2.
- Afternoon snacks will be provided Day 1 and Day 2.
- No breakfast will be provided at the Institute, however, guests staying at the host hotel have complimentary breakfast buffet available daily.
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Yes. You may transfer your registration to another staff member on or before 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 18, 2027.
Email t1si@esc14.net to make the necessary updates.
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You may cancel your registration with a full refund on or before 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 18, 2027.
Email t1si@esc14.net to make the necessary cancellation.
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Submit this form after you register to notify our staff of your dietary restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate restrictions and will inform you of accommodations made.