By Steve Taylor, Reporter
PHARR, Texas - Mario Reyna, coordinator for the Prosperity Task Force, has asked his colleagues in the team to help The PossAble Dream Adult High School.
“We need to help our community learn more about the educational opportunities available to them so that they can contribute to the prosperity of our region. The PossAble Dream Adult High School is an excellent option,” Reyna said.
Reyna was responding to a request from Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, executive administrator for partnerships, marketing and communication in the Division of Executive Services at Region One Education Service Center. Vazquez-Hernandez is looking for volunteers to help bring dropout students back to school.
“Dear colleagues and partners, we invite you to join us in a community outreach effort for The PossAble Dream Adult High School, a new public high school authorized by the Texas Education Agency to serve adults ages 18–50,” Vazquez-Hernandez said.
“With your help, we can visit the homes of our potential students to re-engage them in their education.”
Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, executive administrator for partnerships, marketing and communication at Region One Education Service Center. (Photo courtesy: Region One)
Vazquez-Hernandez then explained why this matters.
“Nearly one-third of adults in our region do not have a high school diploma - 29.5% in McAllen/Mission/Edinburg and 27.1% in Brownsville/Harlingen. When adults earn a diploma, the impact is generational. Families see education modeled at home, local businesses gain skilled employees, and our region builds a stronger workforce and economy,” Vazquez-Hernandez said.
Vazquez-Hernandez then explained what The PossAble Dream School is all about.
“The PossAble Dream Adult High School is designed for adults balancing work and family responsibilities. Students will: earn a high school diploma; gain industry certifications and employability training; take college coursework at no cost; access internships and apprenticeships through local partnership; and receive job placement and higher education transition support.”
Vazquez-Hernandez asked Region One’s colleagues and partners to join the outreach effort.
“Over the next three Saturdays, we will be visiting the homes of potential students to re-engage them in education—and we need your help.”
Vazquez-Hernandez provided this information:
Outreach Dates: Sept. 20 and Sept. 27
Meetup Location: The PossAble Dream Adult High School Headquarters in Pharr at 8:30 am each Saturday (3000 N Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX 78577)
“Join us in the field to spread the word about this transformative opportunity,” Vazquez-Hernandez said.
A spokesperson for Region One said adults that attend The PossAble Dream High School earn a high school diploma, not a GED.
