Mayor declares Accelerate Texas Week in Uvalde

Uvalde city mayor Don McLaughlin signed a proclamation declaring the week of Nov. 9-15 as Accelerate Texas Week, during their regular monthly meeting last Tuesday.

McLaughlin read the proclamation in front of city council and members of the community in attendance.

Dean of Workforce Education Romelia Aranda, program coordinator Oscar Garcia and SWTJC President, Dr. Hector Gonzales were on hand to accept the proclamation.

Photo: Uvalde Mayor Don Mclaughlin, SWTJC President Dr. Hector Gonzales, Dean of Workforce Education Romelia Aranda and Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator Oscar Garcia (left to right) pose for a picture during last week's city council meeting. 

Southwest Texas Junior College is one of 21 community colleges and college districts across the state celebrating Accelerate Texas Week on Nov. 9-15.
The week-long event is aimed at bringing attention to a new statewide initiative focusing on helping Adult Basic Education (ABE) students obtain college credentials.

According to Aranda, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) estimates that at least 60% of Texas jobs will require a career certificate or college degree by the year 2020. At present, 44% of Texans over the age of 25 have never been to college, let alone earned a credential.

"Given the current date and the state's projections, it is imperative that we do more to prepare adult basic education learners for the future demands of the workplace," Aranda said.

Accelerate Texas programs will integrate ABE skills into college pathways so that students gain all the skills and certificates they need to apply for high-demand jobs in industries like health care, manufacturing, construction and transportation.

Currently, SWTJC is offering training for AEL students in certified nurse aid, welding, medical office skills specialist and CDL/truck driving. According to Aranda, another program that will also be offered is for certified medical assistant.

To highlight the various programs available, the SWTJC/ABE program has planned several open houses in conjunction with Accelerate Texas Week.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Uvalde campus will hold an open house for ESL and GED day classes at 10 a.m. Evening ESL and GED classes will have an open house at 7 p.m. All activities will be held in the Essie Pearl Richarz building.

"At these open houses we will explain program options available in Uvalde and provide materials describing exactly what will be covered in the various classes," ABE Uvalde site supervisor Norma Berrones said. "We encourage anyone who thinks they might be interested to take advantage of this opportunity and let us help you help yourself to a better tomorrow."

For more information on Accelerate Texas, contact Norma Berrones at 830.278.4391.