Hinojosa: Why the TexasWorks Edinburg CTE Campus is a symbol of hope and opportunity

It is a privilege to be here today for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the TexasWorks Edinburg CTE Campus.

Education is the best equalizer in our society. Education gives you knowledge, and knowledge, gives you the power to succeed. Today, we take a significant step to make that power available for the adult learners of the Rio Grande Valley.

The TexasWorks Edinburg CTE Campus is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope and opportunity. It will serve as an important resource for adult learners, helping them navigate and overcome the barriers that have held them back from completing their education and realizing their career goals.

Let me share with you a bit of history that highlights the importance of this moment. As the author of Senate Bill 975 during the 2011 Legislative Session, I have been committed to addressing the dropout rates in the Rio Grande Valley and across the state. I recognized the need to provide adults, especially in underserved communities, with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma.

That bill allowed individuals under 26 years of age who had not completed high school to earn their diploma, paving the way for their transition to college or a career. This initiative was modeled after the College, Career, and Technology Academy, launched in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Daniel King at the Pharr San Juan Alamo Independent School District. Together, through SB 975 and initiatives like Dr. King’s, we have made significant strides in improving educational outcomes for our communities.

In 2013, the Texas Legislature created the Adult High School Diploma and Industry Certification Charter School Program as a pilot program.This was designed for adults aged 18 to 50 years of age who did not complete high school. 

Fast forward to 2021, I was honored to support legislation that took our commitment a step further. The program was renamed the Adult High School Charter School Program. With this program, we provide state funding so that tuition is free for students between 18 and 50 years old. The charter schools are funded based on outcomes and they get a bonus if the student earns an industry accepted certificate not later than six months after completing the program. 

This means an adult learner enrolled at TexasWorks can get a high school diploma and also an industry-based certification in high-demand fields. These fields include certified medical assistant roles, phlebotomy, medical billing and coding, welding, drone piloting, and

coding/programming, among others.

Why is this important? Data from the American Community Survey shows that 11.9% of adults aged 25 and older in South Texas have only some high school education, compared to the statewide average of 6.5%. This gap is not just a statistic; it represents untapped potential for our region’s workforce. The TexasWorks Edinburg Campus will provide a supportive environment for these adults, helping to close the educational gap and create new pathways for career advancement.

I have personally witnessed the impact of expanding access to adult education and workforce training in the Rio Grande Valley. This program will be an important tool in our continued efforts to transform the Rio Grande Valley. I encourage everyone to support this initiative. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless individuals in our communities.

As I stand here today at this ribbon-cutting ceremony, I am reminded that these programs and investments benefit not only the students but also their families and the broader community. They lead these student to in-demand jobs, more money in their pockets, and a brighter future for all.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this day a reality.

Thank you!

Editor’s Note: The above commentary comprises the prepared remarks of state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen for a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by TexasWorks at its new campus in Edinburg on Nov. 14, 2024. Hinojosa gave the keynote address. The campus, located on South Sugar Road, will make it possible for individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 to get a high school diploma and also an industry-based certification in high-demand fields. 

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