In a significant move to bolster adult education and literacy programs, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded $83 million in grants to 40 schools across Texas. Two schools from the Coastal Bend region, Del Mar College and the Region 2 Education Service Center, are among the recipients. This funding will enhance their adult education offerings, providing vital services to a growing number of adult learners in the region.
$1.2 Million Grant to Benefit 900 Students
Del Mar College is set to receive $1.2 million from the Texas Workforce Commission, an investment that will significantly impact over 900 students annually through its adult education programs. Dr. Leonard Rivera, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education at Del Mar College, emphasized the region’s critical need for adult education and the profound difference this grant will make in the lives of these students.
“Historically, in the Coastal Bend, we do see an increased need to provide adult education literacy services,” Rivera stated. He further highlighted that the grant will enable the college to offer more comprehensive support to adults striving to improve their literacy skills or obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Tackling Texas’ Low Literacy Rates
Texas currently holds the fourth-lowest literacy rate in the country, with 19% of adults lacking basic literacy skills, according to the Corpus Christi Literacy Council. This statistic underscores the pressing need for literacy programs in the state, especially for those who have not completed their high school education.
The Corpus Christi Literacy Council is unwavering in combating these statistics. Its mission is not just about reducing functional illiteracy in the area but also about increasing public awareness about the importance of literacy and serving as a hub for existing literacy programs. Their dedication is truly inspiring.
Bridging the Gap to Career Opportunities
One of Del Mar College’s primary goals is to help students complete their high school equivalency and equip them with the skills needed for the workforce. Rivera explained how the college’s programs act as a bridge for students seeking career advancement.
“This is going to provide that bridge so that they can complete their high school diploma or GED. We also have great partners in the Coastal Bend that we work with. If an adult learner completes the program here, they can find themselves in a career-made position that they’ve dreamed of,” Rivera said.
Expanding English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs
In addition to high school equivalency programs, both Del Mar College and the Region 2 Education Service Center offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These programs are essential for adults fluent in other languages who aspire to work in professional careers in the Coastal Bend region.
Dr. Esperanza Zendejas, Executive Director of the Region 2 Education Service Center, expressed her gratitude for the $1 million grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. She emphasized how this funding will help the center expand its program offerings and provide services to over 500 adult learners annually.
“Our main effort is to help adults, regardless of their age, get their high school diploma,” Zendejas stated. She also pointed out how beneficial their ESL programs have been, noting that many participants, such as foreign-trained dentists, have found professional jobs after completing the courses.
A Focus on Community and Future Success
Rivera and Zendejas stressed the importance of these educational investments in the community. They emphasized that the success of Del Mar College and the Region 2 Education Service Center’s programs is not just about the institutions but the entire community coming together to support adult learners in achieving their academic and career goals.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the student,” Rivera emphasized. “It’s about getting these students to achieve their GED and become contributing members of society here in the Coastal Bend.”