The Austin Chamber teamed up with the White House to offer students front row, VIP access to First Lady Michelle Obama’s keynote panel for SXSWmusic on March 16.

Hundreds of area high school students submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 14 – a day before the TEXAS Grant deadline – and encouraged their friends to do the same on Twitter. In total, 81 seniors were selected from a pool of 372 applicants.

The First Lady’s panel consisted of powerful women including Queen Latifah, Sophia Bush, Missy Elliot and Diane Warren. The focus of the panel was empowerment through education. The First lady encouraged students to pursue higher education and become the next generation of leaders.

“FLOTUS and the panel encouraged girls to prove the doubters wrong when it comes to their education and future. As Texas works to get more people 'to and through' college under the state’s 60x30TX plan, the continued success of our female students is critical to the state’s ability to adapt to change and compete at the highest levels, nationally and internationally”, remarked Jerel Booker, Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

The Austin Chamber of Commerce works with THECB and 13 Central Texas school districts to prioritize early financial aid filings so that students can afford their post-secondary pursuits. We have provided students backstage ACL tours, ACL wristbands, televisions, free breakfasts, and free movie screenings to promote completion of this important milestone. More information can be found at www.austinchamber.com/dtc70. Special thanks to Eric Waldo, Greg Darneider, Fritz Fitzpatrick, Ryan Vilfer, Melissa O'Brien, Ron Reed, Amy Averett, Brook Leal, Patrick Dentler and Wendy Davis.

We asked that the students document their experience on Twitter. As you can see, it was a powerful occasion.

Two students were selected to speak with KXAN. See their interview here.

Before the keynote began, several students spoke with former gubernatorial candidate, Wendy Davis.

Some lucky students had the chance to hug the First Lady once the keynote concluded.