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ANNUAL REPORT 2012 in the business of EDUCATION WWW.RGVLEAD.COM

RGV LEAD 2012 Annual Report

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Page 1: RGV LEAD 2012 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

in the business of EDUCATIONWWW.RGVLEAD.COM

Page 2: RGV LEAD 2012 Annual Report

EXECUTIVE BOARD:Rene CapistranPresident

E. Richard Vaughan, Jr.Vice President

Teri ZamoraTreasurer

Theresa A. (Teri) AlarconMartha A. Cantu, Ed.D.Cornelio Gonzalez, Ph.D.Gregg McCumber, CPANolan E. Perez, M.D.Gonzalo SalazarJoe VasquezPerry A. VaughnJo Rae Wagner DIRECTORS:

BusinessJulian AlvarezAlbert G. ChronisThomas DearminAlex MeadeNaomi Perales

EducationSteve Flores, Ph.D.Adam HutchisonCharles Lackey, Ph. D.Ted Phillips, Ph.D.James J. Ponce, Ed.D.Laura Boyer Talbot

ASSOCIATE BOARD:

BusinessSergio ContrerasFrank EspinozaRobert LeftwichGabriel PuenteEd RiveraRon Tupper

Education Arminda LozanoNorma L. Salaiz, Ph.D.Felipe C. Salinas

DIRECTORS EMERITUS:

Eduardo A. CampiranoRay ElledgeCesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E.Hollis V. Rutledge, Jr.Ed TamayoLinda Wade, Ph.D.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our organization adopted a new strategic plan and changed its name to RGV LEAD (Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic & Academic Development – formerly Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley) this year. Our new name and new motto—In the Business of Education—de-scribe the extraordinary work we did in 2012. Highlights of the year are as follows:

We prioritized GenTX (Generation Texas) initiatives throughout the year, with a special celebration of GenTX Day in the spring. The message of GenTX is that this generation of students is the future of the Valley and of Tex-as and we want them to prepare for success!

In April, we worked through our regional P-16 Council and, partnering with UTPA, STC, UTB/TSC, and TSTC, provided a transition-counseling session for educators that was so well received we incorporated transition counseling into our regional conference in December.

Our superintendents’ meeting in September featured presentations by Manny Vela, President/CEO, Valley Baptist Health System; Commis-sioner Raymund Paredes, Texas Higher Educa-tion Coordinating Board, and others.

In October, we released RGV LEAD’s 2012 Labor Market Report, which includes a section explaining the relationship between education and economic development. The report was developed with input from chambers of commerce, economic development organiza-tions, workforce development boards, colleges, universities, and individual employers and com-munity leaders.

The Education & Career EXPO, a regional collaborative project held on October 11,

served over 1,700 students. The EXPO introduces stu-dents to career and education opportunities in the region.

Other initiatives included RGV Mentors, the Academic Leadership Alliance Summer Educator Externships, Tech Prep Texas Scholars and Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship awards, and the presenta-tion of Teacher and Counselor of the Year awards in December. You’ll find information about these initiatives and individuals in this report.

Partnerships are invaluable to helping RGV LEAD achieve its mission: partnering to engage students in college and career-focused learning opportunities to achieve a higher level of competence in the workforce. Information about the businesses, school districts, colleges, universities, economic development organiza-tions, and individuals who work with, and have invested in, RGV LEAD’s regional initiatives appears in this report. We are grateful for these partnerships and support.

We hope to gain more partners and support to expand our programs in the future. To make a donation or to become involved, please contact RGV LEAD. We’re looking forward to another great year in 2013!

Patricia G. (Pat) Bubb Executive Director

IN THE BUSINESSOF EDUCATION

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COntEntsOverview

Coordinating Regional Initiatives and Celebrating 10-Year Anniversary PartnershipsAcademic Leadership Alliance (A•L•A) Summer Educator ExternshipsThe Education & Career EXPO: A Business, Community, and Education Partnership

Promoting students’ College and Career ReadinessGeneration Texas Encourages College and Career Preparation RGV Mentors Lead by Example

Real-World Experiences: student PerspectivesCareers in Construction Events Engage Students Job Shadow Days Provide Insight Into Careers

Honoring Outstanding Educators2012 RGV LEAD Teacher of the Year 2012 RGV LEAD Counselor of the Year

Incentivizing Achievement: tech Prep texas scholars

RGV LEAD’s Funding Drawn from Multiple sourcesSchool Districts Collaborate in Regional Initiatives School Districts Participate in A•L•A Tech Prep Texas Scholars Graduate Recognition Continues Colleges and Universities Participate in Many Ways Economic Development Agencies Support Community-Focused InitiativesGrants Provide for Special Projects TG: “Success by Degrees” Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: “Generation Texas” Employers Invest in RGV LEAD Local Funds Managed by RGV LEAD Board

supporting Data: tech Prep Programs and Rio Grande Valley student success Supplemental Data from THECB

How to Become Involved

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On August 21, 2012, the Tech Prep Board of Directors adopted a new name, Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development (RGV LEAD). “We updated our strategic plan to advance as RGV LEAD. We will focus on and support the development of this area’s most important asset, the intellectual capital of its people,” said Rene Capistran, board chair for RGV LEAD and president of the South Texas Region of SpawGlass.

On September 11, education and business leaders gathered at an Annual Meeting for Superintendents as Tech Prep announced its new name, RGV LEAD. To symbolize their unified goals toward working in partnership to improve education, numerous officials signed the new banner that unveiled the organization’s new name and new motto: RGV LEAD: In the Business of Education.

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E., President, Texas State Technical College; Pat Bubb, RGV LEAD Executive Director; Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Raymund Paredes; Rene Capistran, President, SpawGlass /RGV LEAD Board Chair

Mission CISD Superintendent / RGV LEAD Executive Board Member Dr. Cornelio Gonzalez signs RGV LEAD’s new banner in September 2012.

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THE COLORS IN RGV LEAD’S NEW LOGO ARE SYMBOLIC

Blue represents government: Government plays an important role in ensuring that public policy supports the work of RGV LEAD and its partners.

Red represents business: Private-sector leadership is vital to RGV LEAD’s work, and employers have committed to work with RGV LEAD because they understand the impor-tance of a qualified, skilled workforce to the success of their businesses.

Gray represents education: The educators from the region’s public schools and institutions of higher education hold the future in their hands. The importance of the work that educators do in helping students prepare for ultimate success in higher education, in careers, and in life cannot be overstated.

RGV LEAD continues the tradition begun when the original Tech Prep cor-poration was founded: working through cross-sector partnerships. RGV LEAD’s Core Values are the foundation for its work: Leadership, Collaboration, Integ-rity, Excellence, and Accountability.

ALBERT G. ChROnISRGV LEAD facilitates partnerships between and among employers, educators, and state and local community leaders: partnering to engage students in college-and-career-focused learning opportunities to achieve a higher level of competence in the workforce. Working in a variety of collaborative projects, RGV LEAD and its partners served thousands of students in 2012.

One example of the positive impact of RGV LEAD’s programs is Albert G. Chronis, a former Brownsville ISD Tech Prep student who earned a degree in drafting at TSTC, then continued his education at UTSA. After graduation, Chronis returned to the Valley. He is now working in his field, and he represents ERO Architects on the RGV LEAD Board.

RGV LEAD is a partnership of business and education. The membership of RGV LEAD’s board of directors reflects the level of collaboration that characterizes RGV LEAD. RGV LEAD’s board of directors guides regional initiatives for the stakeholders from school districts, colleges, universities, and other entities. Private-sector volunteers lead the board.

RGV LEAD is in the business of education. Its vision is to build the

intellectual capital of the region by facilitating collaboration between employers, community leaders, and educators from public schools, colleges, and universities to assist students in acquiring the academic and career skill-sets necessary for success in higher education, careers, and life. Through RGV LEAD, leaders from business and education work together toward a common goal of student success.

The membership of the RGV LEAD Board reflects the level of collaboration that characterizes RGV LEAD.

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SCOORDINATING REGIONAL INITIATIVES

ANDCELEBRATING 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTNERSHIPS

A•L•A leaders are pictured with representatives of the employers honored for ten continuous years of participation.

RGV LEAD is a regional project manager, facilitating collaborative projects designed to develop the valley’s most important asset: the intellectual capital of its people. RGV LEAD works as an intermediary organization—the project manager for joint ventures involving cross-sector collaboration of school districts, colleges/universities, business/industry, and government.

RGV LEAD plans, manages, and supports a variety of partnership initiatives. The work done by RGV LEAD staff complements, but does not duplicate, the work of school districts, colleges, and universities. Collaborative partnerships for which RGV LEAD coordinated operations in 2012 include a regional P-16 Council, regional counselors’ network, RGV Mentors, the Academic Leadership Alliance (A•L•A) Educator Externships, Education & Career EXPO, and others.

Two of these partnerships, the A•L•A Summer Educator Externships and Education & Career EXPO, celebrated 10-year anniversaries in 2012.

ACADEMIC LEADERsHIP ALLIAnCE suMMER EDuCAtOR ExtERnsHIPsIn Summer 2012, 45 Valley employers hosted 53 educators from eight school districts. Seven participating employers received awards denoting 10 years of continuous participation: the City of McAllen, McAllen Construction, Inc., McAllen Economic Development Corporation, McAllen Foreign

Trade Zone, Mission Regional Medical Center, Motorola Solutions Inc., and Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

In the A•L•A summer externships, teachers and counselors work at Valley business and industry sites, spending two or three weeks to identify and experience, firsthand, the technical and soft skills

Upper Valley Externs from Edinburg CISD, La Joya ISD, McAllen ISD, Mission CISD, PSJA ISD, and Sharyland ISD

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A•L•A leaders are pictured with representatives of the employers honored for ten continuous years of participation.

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that their students need. The educators then translate their experiences into lesson plans and counseling materials designed to help students acquire the skills needed for success in the world of work, with a special focus on the “soft skills” employers indicate students need for success. A•L•A’s impact is exponential, for one teacher or counselor will work with 100 or more students every year. Comments on evaluations (submitted anonymously) indicate that it’s working:

The A•L•A collaborative began with an agreement signed in 2003 by the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Region One Education Service Center, and RGV LEAD’s predecessor, Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley. Other members in 2012 included the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Economic Development Council, Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, eight school districts, and numerous individual employers.

Joyce Dean, Executive Vice President, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, voiced MEDC’s commitment: “We have hosted one or more educators every year that A•L•A has been in operation. The work that educators do is vital to our economic development work!”

Lower Valley Externs from Brownsville ISD and Harlingen CISDThis was a positive experience for me. I had no idea that many surgeries are done in the radiology department under fluoroscopy.

I absolutely loved this experience.

Educator

It’s great to see teachers utilizing information from our organization, to use in the classroom setting.

This was a positive experience for me because the extern will positively impact hundreds of students’ lives during the school year.

Employer

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tHE EDuCAtIOn & CAREER ExPO: A BusInEss, COMMunItY, AnD EDuCAtIOn PARtnERsHIP

The annual Education & Career EXPO, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012, began in 2003 as a project of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce and has grown into a large regional event. In 2012, 1,770 students from 27 high schools visited with more than 90 exhibitors to get a firsthand look into various career fields. Employers shared career information and colleges and universities from the Valley and other parts of Texas showcased their programs—especially those designed to help students prepare for the careers featured at the event.

Alma Garcia, a Valley native who is now a program officer for Educate Texas, encouraged the students to pursue their dreams: “Be smart, stay in school, and work hard to be self-advocates to prepare for college and your career."

South Texas College representatives made college awareness entertaining by having students participate in an interactive College Knowledge game; and Maria Peña, community GenTXPert for RGV LEAD, talked with the students about the importance of having college and career goals.

Students from TSTC's EMT program were excited to showcase the EMT program and help explain life-saving procedures and methods to the high school students. Margaret Gil expressed EMT students’ enthusiasm: “We are happy to be here! We love to save lives. The crash site exhibit has an important message: no texting while driving, which is part of our No Text Onboard campaign.”

One of the many interactive displays at the EXPO included a crash car site with an “injured” passenger and an ambulance with Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) support provided.

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By 2012, the EXPO had grown into a large regional event with multiple sponsors and over 20 partners planning and hosting the event

Hunter Thomas, a senior at Lasara High School, has a great goal - to become a physician. Hunter visited with Juana Escareño from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Health Education Center about a possible internship at the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC). Escareño will try to connect Thomas with the right staff and professionals from the RAHC for help with his senior project.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been here at the EXPO where I was able to discuss my goals and options with someone who could help me.

Hunter TomasSenior at Lasara High School

Learning more about opportunities at the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) attracted a Lasara High School student who plans to become a doctor.

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RGV LEAD's initiatives focus on helping students identify career goals about which they are passionate, then pursue those goals through education.

GEnERAtIOn tExAs EnCOuRAGEs COLLEGE AnD CAREER PREPARAtIOn

The Generation Texas (GenTX) initiative, created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, helps students and their families understand the importance of college and career preparation. RGV LEAD led many GenTX activities in 2012.

The business community supports the GenTX initiative—that’s the message that Julian Alvarez, President & CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership Regional Chamber of Commerce and an RGV LEAD Board member, conveyed to the students who convened at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership Board Room in April to announce GenTX Day. RGV LEAD teamed with the RGV Partnership, Texas State Technical College Harlingen, the University of Texas-Pan American, and others for the event.

G-Force students from TSTC and UTPA shared their personal experiences and described the importance of higher education. G-Force students have made commitments to share their own stories and secrets for success to help other students do well in both college and careers.

RGV LEAD’s work with counselors on implementation of GenTX initiatives received state recognition in the fall, with an invitation to present at a P-16 Institute hosted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in October 2012.

To learn more about the GenTX movement, click on the “GenTX” button on RGV LEAD’s website at www.rgvlead.com.

COLLEGE-AND - CAREER READINESSPROMOTING STUDENTS’

Students from TSTC and UTPA met with leaders from the RGV Partnership, TSTC, UTPA, and RGV LEAD at a GenTX Day announcement event in April 2012.

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RGV MEntORs LEAD BY ExAMPLE

RGV Mentors is a network of professionals created to help facilitate the success of Rio Grande Valley high school students. Founded by Valley native and RGV LEAD Board member Nolan E. Perez, M.D., RGV Mentors has assembled a cohort of Valley community leaders whose personal experience has validated the role of adult mentors in helping students reach their dreams.

The mission of RGV Mentors is to match successful community professionals with aspiring high school students to ensure all participating students graduate from high school with a college and/or career-ready mindset. RGV

RGV Mentors protégés and mentors celebrate the completion of the School-Based Component in May 2012.

Mentors includes school-based and community-based components maximize achievement for all participants. In 2012, RGV Mentors’ school-based component served high school students (protégés) teamed with college students (mentors), both of whom had the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, community professionals as part of the experience. Active planning for a pilot of RGV Mentors’ community-based component began in late 2012.

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STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES:

CAREERs In COnstRuCtIOn EVEnts EnGAGE stuDEnts

The commercial construction industry needs more and better construction managers, engineers, draftsmen, and architects. There are many excellent opportunities for qualified candidates, but few for those who do not have an excellent education. Highlighting the multiple career options in commercial construction was the purpose of a Careers in Construction event at TSTC in November with 74 Harlingen High School students participating.

“Construction isn’t just using a hammer and nails,” said Paula Martinez, senior at HHS. “It’s design, marketing and math. You can do so much in that field, and have the opportunity to help people. I see myself going into the marketing side.” RGV LEAD worked with TSTC, Harlingen CISD, and SpawGlass on the event. With the firsthand experience, students were able to understand how work sites functioned, and what job skills were necessary.

“It was a great experience learning about what you need to be aware of when going into construction,” said Virgil Melendez, senior at HHS. “Whatever you choose to do, you need to be prepared.”

JOB sHADOW DAYs PROVIDE InsIGHt IntO CAREERs

RGV LEAD has led regional Job Shadow Days initiatives for over 10 years, working closely with cities, counties, school districts, students, and numerous individual employers. Students who job-shadow experience the world of work by accompanying professionals at their workplaces. The purpose of the initiative is to give students a new perspective on their studies and allow them to explore career opportunities through hands-on learning and a one-day mentoring experience.

Looking at blueprints and learning about soil sampling were just the first steps for two PSJA Elvis J. Ballew High School students. Jorge Hernandez and Juan Santos toured Halff Associates, an engineering firm, where they learned about the systems and programs that are used to design floor plans and engineering projects.

Engineer Gabriel Benavides, who spent part of the day with the students stated:

“A lot of the students are not sure what they want to major in when they get to college. What RGV LEAD is doing will help students get a firsthand look at what different careers have to offer.”

“Seeing from the outside is one thing, but getting an

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Students from Harlingen High School listen to an explanation of career opportunities in the commercial construction industry. (Photo courtesy HCISD).

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insight on what an engineer actually does and seeing the different programs they work with is incredible and an eye-opener…. Now I definitely plan to pursue a career in engineering,” said Santos.

Kathleen Pompasa, a McAllen ISD Nikkie Rowe High School student, is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Pomposa spent half a day at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance shadowing nurses like Binda Rathor. Stated Pomposa, “I’ve really learned a lot about the duties of a nurse. I plan on taking health courses next year to help me pursue my career choice.”

Through RGV LEAD’s job-shadowing program students gain hands-on experience as they establish career and college goals. There were 180 students participating in job shadowing in 2012.

Kathleen Pomposa from McAllen ISD was intrigued with nurses’ work, demonstrated by Binda Rathor at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance.

Jorge Hernandez and Juan Santos from PSJA ISD enjoyed meeting Gabriel Benavides at Halff Associates.

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HONORING OUTSTANDING EDUCATORSH

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RGV LEAD works with many dedicated teachers, counselors, and administrators throughout the valley on initiatives designed to help students identify and accomplish college and career goals. In december 2012, RGV LEAD honored two of these dedicated professionals with peer-recognition awards recogniz-ing their leadership.

2012 RGV LEAD tEACHER OF tHE YEARKaren Steinbach was recognized as an educator whose teaching strategies and educational values have lifted La Feria ISD’s consumer science program to a higher level. According to Veronica Torres, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Secondary Coordinator, "Steinbach's level of expectations for her students’ success embodies the district logo of Expect-Achieve-Excel.”

Steinbach utilizes a creative and innovative teaching style that incorporates real-world applications. She sets high expectations and challenges students to succeed in school and most important, in their future careers. Torres stated, “Her dedication to the district, campus, and especially her students is amazing and simply extraordinary.”

2012 RGV LEAD COunsELOR OF tHE YEAR

Hilda Salinas of Mission CISD helped to improve the access early high school students at Veterans Memorial High School have to career-readiness pathways in addition to their college-readiness focus. An advocate for her students’ futures, Salinas worked with the CTE director, principal, and others to suc-cessfully transition hundreds of ninth grade students into gateway courses for career-focused programs of study.

High school principal Leticia Peña says, "We have our middle school students beaming with excitement when they are visited by the high school academic counselors. Our special populations have been moti-vated to stay in school and work toward a career goal. Mrs. Salinas knows and actively communicates to our students what the current job market trends are. She is an advocate and a true friend.”

Left: Karen Steinbach, 2012 RGV LEAD Teacher of the Year, Above: Hilda Salinas, 2012 RGV LEAD Counselor of the Year

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TECH PREP TEXAS SCHOLARS

INCENTIVIZING ACHIEVEMENT:

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RGV LEAD began its Tech Prep Texas Scholars initiative in 1999, working closely with the Texas Business and Education Coalition, founder of Texas Scholars in Texas. Over 78,000 students have graduated as Tech Prep Texas Scholars since the program began. These students create scholarships for themselves by taking high school courses that count for college credit.

In Spring 2012, a total of 7,191 students received graduation honors as Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and six of those students were ultimately named

recipients of one of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships awarded for 2012. Graduation as a Tech Prep Texas Scholar is required to enter the competition for one of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships awarded each year.

The Tech Prep Texas Scholar graduates who received Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships in 2012 are mission-driven and college-and-career-ready. Their preparation through the Tech Prep Texas Scholars program and related Cavazos Scholarship awards will help these students as they strive to reach their goals.

MYRnA A. GARzA, of Sharyland High School earned the $5,000 scholarship and made plans to attend Rice University in Houston, to pursue a four-year degree in Economics and then advance to a master’s in Business Administration. Garza has been interested in business since she was a child. For Garza, job shadowing at a Security First Credit Union, growing up around the family business in Mexico, and taking Tech Prep courses influenced and confirmed her career goals.

Garza is aware that before she can achieve her dreams, she must receive her degree.

DAnIELLE M. HERnAnDEz, from Harlingen High School, was awarded a $2,100 scholarship to Texas State Technical College. Hernandez plans to study Criminal Justice. Her goal is to become a detective and then work her way up to become an FBI Agent. Hernandez said, “The Tech Prep program has been a great opportunity for me while in high school and I’m sure it will continue to help me in college.”

Hernandez believes in helping the community. “I want my family members to live in a safe environment and being part of law enforcement, I would be doing my part in making that happen,” said Hernandez.

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JOnAtHAn HuEsO, from Harlingen High School, was also awarded a $2,100 scholarship to TSTC. Tech Prep classes in culinary arts allowed Hueso to learn and verify his passion for the food industry. Hueso participated in a cooking competition and made it to second place, continuing on to a state competition. Hueso planned to enroll in the Culinary Arts Program at TSTC in hopes of becoming a great chef and opening his own restaurant.

KAtARInA RuBIO, of Homer Hanna High School in Brownsville, gained the $3,000 scholarship to the University of Texas-Brownsville to pursue a degree in nursing. Rubio, already certified as a nurse assistant, graduated with 35 college-credit hours. Tech Prep courses and dual enrollment courses helped prepare Rubio for transition from high school to college. Rubio developed a love for math and science through summer programs at UTB and at Hanna High School. These programs “provided an array of hands-on activities, and exposed me to a variety of technical and academic careers in the medical field.” All of Rubio's experiences in high school and her family upbringing are what shaped her decision to go into the nursing field.

nILAnI B. sAnCHEz, an honor student from Economedes High School, Edinburg CISD, planned to apply her $3,000 scholarship to health science studies at the University of Texas-Pan American. Sanchez graduated from high school with 38 college-credit hours and certification as a nurse assistant. Sanchez was eager to pursue her college education in a health-related field to continue to help those who are dependent on others. “As a student in the CNA class, I enjoyed working with the elderly … I found them to be such a joy,” said Sanchez. With great dreams, Sanchez plans to “get a good foundation in her field of study and further her education into a master’s or doctoral level.”

RGV LEAD celebrates all of the 2012 Tech Prep Texas Scholar graduates and congratulates the students who were named recipients of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships in 2012.

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RGV LEAD’S FUNDING DRAWNFROM MULTIPLE SOURCES

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with a federal grant of Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Funds in FY 1992. That funding stream supported regional operations until August 2011, when federal set-aside funds for Tech Prep consortium operations ended. Diversifying funds and reorganizing initiatives, RGV LEAD updated its corporate strategic plan and changed its name and logo.

By the end of 2012, RGV LEAD had completed its reorganization, and initiatives at the regional level and in communities were supported by a variety of funding streams. RGV LEAD’s operating budget for January 1-December 31, 2012, totaled $831,500, derived from these sources:

sCHOOL DIstRICts

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Of the funds managed by RGV LEAD in 2012, three percent was allocated to administrative costs and the balance was utilized for direct services provided to the students, families, and educators served by RGV LEAD and its partners.

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sCHOOL DIstRICts COLLABORAtE In REGIOnAL ACtIVItIEs

Support provided by school districts helped RGV LEAD to continue many regional initiatives in 2012, including Tech Prep Texas Scholars, the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships, an update of RGV LEAD’s regional labor market report (developed with input of workforce development boards, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, individual employers, and community leaders) and others. The following school districts helped fund regional activites in 2012, and RGV LEAD expects the list of partners to grow:

Brownsville ISD Los Fresnos CISD San Benito CISD Edinburg CISD Lyford CISD San Isidro ISDHarlingen CISD McAllen ISD San Perlita ISDHidalgo ISD Mercedes ISD Santa Maria ISDLa Feria ISD Mission CISD Santa Rosa ISDLa Joya ISD PSJA ISD Sharyland ISDLa Villa ISD Raymondville ISD South Texas ISDLasara ISD Rio Hondo ISD Valley View ISD Roma ISD

School DiStrictS ParticiPate in a•l•a

School districts whose teachers and counselors participate in the Academic Leadership Alliance Summer Educator Externships pay salaries for their staff to participate and also pay registration fees for costs of regional operations. School districts that participated in A•L•A in 2012 were these:

Brownsville ISD La Joya ISD PSJA ISDEdinburg CISD McAllen ISD Sharyland ISDHarlingen CISD Mission CISD

tECH PREP tExAs sCHOLAR GRADuAtE RECOGnItIOn COntInuEs

In addition to providing support for regional initiatives, school districts also participate in RGV LEAD’s Tech Prep Texas Scholars program that honors graduating seniors and promotes students’ preparation for advancement in both college and careers.

Brownsville ISD Los Fresnos CISD Rio Hondo ISDDonna ISD Lyford CISD Roma ISDEdcouch-Elsa ISD McAllen ISD San Benito CISDEdinburg CISD Mercedes ISD San Perlita ISDHarlingen CISD Mission CISD Santa Maria ISDHidalgo ISD PSJA ISD Sharyland ISDLa Feria ISD Point Isabel ISD South Texas ISDLa Joya ISD Progreso ISD Valley View ISDLasara ISD Rio Grande City CISD Weslaco ISD

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COLLEGEs AnD unIVERsItIEs PARtICIPAtE In MAnY WAYs

Colleges and universities contributed to RGV LEAD’s regional initiatives in multiple ways in 2012:

South Texas College participated as an employer partner in the A•L•A Summer Educator Externships (hosting an extern and making a cash contribution to support A•L•A’s regional operations).

Texas State Technical College Harlingen provided contract support for some regional initiatives; participated as an employer partner in the A•L•A Summer Educator Externships (hosting an extern and making a cash contribution for A•L•A operations); and provided two Presidential Scholarships to be awarded as part of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship campaign.

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College provided a scholarship to be awarded as part of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship campaign.

The University of Texas-Pan American participated as an employer partner in the A•L•A Summer Educator Externships (hosting an extern and making a cash contribution to support A•L•A’s regional operations); and provided a scholarship to be awarded as part of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship campaign.

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ECOnOMIC DEVELOPMEnt AGEnCIEs suPPORt COMMunItY-FOCusED InItIAtIVEs

With contract support from economic development organizations, RGV LEAD has customized its approach in communities through career center projects. EDC-funded Career Center initiatives conducted in 2012 included:

Harlingen Economic Development Corporation’s contract funds provided for the fifth year of the Harlingen Career Center Project. Partners included Harlingen CISD, TSTC Harlingen, the Harlingen EDC, the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, and individual educators and employers.

The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and the Brownsville Economic Development Council supported RGV LEAD’s work for the Brownsville Career Center Project. Partners included Brownsville ISD, the University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, TSTC, the Brownsville EDC, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and individual educators and employers.

The Mission Economic Development Corporation provided funds for RGV LEAD’s work in planning and implementing the Mission Career Center Project. Partners included Mission CISD, La Joya ISD, Sharyland ISD, South Texas College, the University of Texas-Pan American, the University of Phoenix, the Mission EDC, the Mission Chamber of Commerce, and individual educators and employers.

The contracts provided by EDCs and contributions of partnering school districts and colleges allow RGV LEAD to tailor-make a targeted occupations list for each community (working from the list in RGV LEAD’s regional labor market report), then work with partners in each project to implement community-focused initiatives to maximize opportunities for students and families in those communities.

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GRAnts PROVIDE FOR sPECIAL PROJECts

Two grant awards—one provided by TG and one by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board—supported specific RGV LEAD programs in 2012.

tG: “suCCEss BY DEGREEs”

Kristin Boyer, Director of Philanthropy for TG, participated in RGV LEAD’s superintendents’ meeting in September to announce the award of a grant to RGV LEAD for a “Success by Degrees” project. Created by the Texas legislature in 1979, TG is a public, nonprofit corporation that promotes educational access and success so that students can realize their college and career dreams. TG provided the award through the TG Philanthrophy program established by TG’s Board of Directors.

TG’s support provided mentoring to encourage students to persist in higher education. In addition, hundreds of students and their families heard the “Success by Degrees” message: that higher education is essential for living above a poverty level and it is possible to make progress incrementally by pursuing education and work in tandem, earning certificates and degrees as needed for career advancement.

tExAs HIGHER EDuCAtIOn COORDInAtInG BOARD: “GEnERAtIOn tExAs”

A grant of federal College Access Challenge Grant funds from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board brought Generation Texas (GenTX) activities to the Valley. RGV LEAD's regional GenTX activities included these:

Implementing a GenTX marketing plan to promote the college and career-readiness message to students, parents, school administrators, and business/workforce partners;

Communicating through the P-16 Council and other networks to increase completion rates for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in the region;

Communicating through the P-16 Council and other networks to increase rates of ApplyTX completion in the region;

Helping students and families to learn more about the College and Career Readiness Standards adopted by the state;

Assisting individual students with college transition, persistence, and success by awarding College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) scholarships; and

Developing a plan to sustain the GenTX initiative in the region.

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EMPLOYERs InVEst In RGV LEAD

In September 2012, Tim Piller and Robert Leftwich of United Launch Alliance presented a $1,000 donation to RGV LEAD Director, Pat Bubb. According to Tim Piller, ULA’s Director of Harlingen Operations, the $1,000 check represented the aerospace company’s long-term commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

ULA, which has been making Atlas launch missiles in Harlingen for almost 25 years, is a long-time RGV LEAD partner, supports initiatives with both in-kind and cash contributions. RGV LEAD creates partnerships with business and education leaders to help students set and achieve college-and-career goals, and ULA presented the award to assist with RGV LEAD’s initiatives that help guide students into courses and pathways for STEM careers.

According to Piller, “ULA recognizes the importance of a qualified, skilled workforce; and RGV LEAD’s mission is aligned with ULA’s goals of obtaining high-skilled employees.”

RGV LEAD’s mission is aligned with ULA’s goals of obtaining high-skilled employees.

Tim PillerULA Director of Harlingen Operations

United Launch Alliance exemplifies the many employer partners who contribute to the work of RGV LEAD.

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LOCAL FunDs MAnAGED BY tHE RGV LEAD BOARD

The RGV LEAD Board takes its stewardship seriously, conducting operations in an open, inclusive format and providing reports of activities to RGV LEAD’s stakeholders at an annual meeting held in October. All contract funds are managed through separate accounts, and funds for regional operations, A•L•A, the Education & Career EXPO, and RGV Mentors are deposited into accounts for those purposes. Monies deposited to RGV LEAD’s Local Funds Account are derived from individual donations, fundraising events, conference registrations, purchase of materials for Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and proceeds of closed-out accounts.

The 2012 supporters of individual RGV LEAD initiatives are:

CAsH AnD In-KInD DOnAtIOns FOR RGV LEAD EVEnts

AEP Texas Brownsville Economic Development CorporationDonna ISDGomez Mendez Saenz, Inc. Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Mission Economic Development Corporation(The) Montessori School on Boca ChicaRGVision PublicationsTexas Gas ServiceSpawGlass Valley Baptist Health SystemUnited Launch Alliance

EDuCAtIOn & CAREER ExPO 2012 PARtnERs AnD suPPORtERs

Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC), RGV ChapterBurger KingChick-Fil-ACity of Harlingen CTO, Inc.Culligan Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Justice CenterGenTXGulf Aviation Harlingen Area Chamber of CommerceHarlingen CISD Parental Involvement Harlingen Community Development Harlingen Economic Development CorporationHarlingen Family DentistryHarlingen Manufacturers Association

Harlingen Medical CenterHarlingen Performaing Arts TheaterLone Star DistributionLower Rio Grande P-16 CouncilMuzakRGV + Beyond Arts and MoreRegion One ESCSouth Texas CollegeTexas A&M UniversityTexas Southmost CollegeTexas State Technical CollegeUniversity of Texas BrownsvilleUTPA Valley Outreach CenterValley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)Workforce Solutions Cameron

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emPloyerS SuPPorting acaDemic leaDerShiP alliance (a•l•a) Summer externShiPS

Ambiotec Group, Inc. AM-MEX Products, Inc.ALPS Electric (NA), Inc.Brownsville Chamber of CommerceBrownsville Economic Development CouncilBurton CompaniesBurton, McCumber & Cortez, LLPCharles Clark ChevroletCity of McAllenCity of MissionCountry Inn & Suites, HarlingenDoctors Hospital at Renaissance Ed Payne Motors Frank Smith Toyota HyundaiGulf Aviation, Inc. Hi-Tech Plastics

Hidalgo County Appraisal DistrictIBC Bank, Brownsville & McAllenInnovative Block of South TexasKeppel AmfelsLa Joya Area Federal Credit UnionLone Star National BankLong Chilton, LLPMagic Valley Electric CooperativeMcAllen Chamber of CommerceMcAllen Construction, Inc.McAllen Economic Development CorporationMcAllen Foreign Trade ZoneMission Regional Medical CenterMotorola Solutions Inc.Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins, & Mott LLP

Pharr Chamber of CommerceRegal CorporationRegional Academic Health Center (RAHC)Rio Grande Regional HospitalSouth Texas CollegeSpawGlassTexas A&M University Kingsville Citrus CenterTexas State Technical CollegeUniversity of Texas Pan American Valley Baptist Health System, HarlingenValley Regional Medical CenterWorkforce Solutions

EMPLOYERs suPPORtInG JOB sHADOWInG In 2012

AT&TCTO, Inc.Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance Gulf Aviation, Inc. Harlingen Economic Development CorporationHalff AssociatesHarlingen Economic Development CorporationHarlingen Family Dentistry Harlingen Medical CenterHidalgo County District Attorney’s Office, Rene GuerraHidalgo County Commissioners' Court Precincts

Hidalgo County Constable’s OfficeHolt CATIBC Bank McAllenKGBT TV Action 4KTLM TV Telemundo 40McAllen Economic Development Corporation Mission Regional Medical CenterNuestra Clinica Del Valle San JuanStarr County Judge’s Office Security First Credit UnionSpawGlass Su Clinica FamiliarTexas Gas Service CompanyUnited Launch Alliance

Univision Radio McAllenU.S. Border Patrol McAllenU.S. District Court Honorable Hortencia RiosU.S. District Court Honorable Ricardo RodriguezU.S. Marshals ServiceU.S. Pretrial ServicesValley Telephone Cooperative Inc.Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies

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The RGV LEAD Board is committed to accountability and to making management decisions based on an analysis of data evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives. Data analysis allows for program improvements so that RGV LEAD’s initiatives can operate in a “continuous improvement” mode.

For the 19 years that Tech Prep in Texas was federally funded, the RGV LEAD Board received regional reports from the state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) contracted with a college that obtained data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and THECB, then compiled regional and state reports comparing the performance of Tech Prep students with that of their non-Tech Prep peers. The last of these reports, the “College Tech Prep of Texas reports,” came to RGV LEAD in 2011. Some of the College Tech Prep of Texas reports were utilized in earlier annual reports and have been referenced again in 2012.

Each year, RGV LEAD creates a regional data report based on an analysis of data from the sources described above and other sources. For a more comprehensive analysis of regional data, please refer to RGV LEAD’s 2012 Superintendents’ Regional Report, available online at www.rgvlead.com/data.

The information that follows is drawn from RGV LEAD’s 2012 report, providing an analysis of the impact of participation in Tech Prep programs of study utilizing the College Tech Prep of Texas reports described above and also utilizing a special report provided by THECB to RGV LEAD. In 2012, THECB provided RGV LEAD with data reports for cohort groups of students, following groups of students from high school to college and comparing the achievements of Tech Prep students with that of their non-Tech Prep peers in two areas: (1) enrollment in college after graduation from high

school and (2) need for enrollment in developmental education in college, according to the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).

The data sources utilized in the reports described above organize student information according to Career and Technical Education (CTE) Indicator Codes assigned in PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System—a comprehensive data system maintained by TEA). The CTE Indicator codes in PEIMS reflect information about students according to the students’ participation in CTE courses, as follows:

PEIMS Code 0: Students who are taking no CTE courses

PEIMS Code 1: Students taking one CTE course as an elective (RGV LEAD combines PEIMS 0 and 1 as “all other students”)

PEIMS Code 2: Students pursuing coherent sequences of CTE courses

PEIMS Code 3: Students pursuing Tech Prep programs of study (Tech Prep programs of study blend college-preparatory academics with coherent sequences of CTE courses.)

Data for 2006 through 2009 (see Table 1) show that Valley students who participated in Tech Prep programs of study (PEIMS 3) had consistently higher graduation rates than those who did not participate. One piece of good news is that graduation rates have increased significantly for all groups. However a significant difference remains between Tech Prep students and their non-Tech Prep peers. At the same time graduation rates for all other students were rising, the graduation rate for Tech Prep students (PEIMS 3) also increased: the graduation rate for Tech Prep students increased from 90.5 percent in

TECH PREP PROGRAMS AND RIO GRANDE VALLEY STUDENT SUCCESS

SUPPORTING DATA:SU

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2006 to 96.5 percent in 2009. This continued difference indicates that participation in Tech Prep programs has an effect separate from the other programs and/or activities that have also contributed to the overall improvement in Valley graduation rates.1

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Table 1: Rio Grande Valley Graduation Rates by PEIMS Category 2006 through 2009

PEIMs CtE student Indicator Category

3PEIMs CtE student Indicator Category

0-1(All Other)

PEIMs CtE student Indicator Category

2 (CTE Coherent Sequence) (Tech Prep Program of Study)

1This high school graduation rate should not be confused with the status dropout rate reported by the U.S. Bureau of Census. The status dropout rate includes all Valley residents while the high school graduation rate includes only those students in the last year of high school.

Graduation rates for Tech Prep students increased from 90.5 percent in 2006 to 96.5 percent in 2009.

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Gr ade 9 651 786 1,923 2,758 3,173 2,508 2,785 2,744 4,496 3,594Gr ade 10 1,447 1,302 1,945 2,924 3,491 3,232 2,967 3,075 4,354 4,383Gr ade 11 2,282 2,848 2,352 3,516 4,578 4,786 4,013 4,561 5,333 5,834Gr ade 12 2,742 4,184 3,893 5,257 6,241 6,414 6,082 6,582 6,815 7,054

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11

Chart 1: Valley Tech Prep Participation by Grade Level and Year

Chart 1, drawn from the College Tech Prep of Texas reports, illustrates the enrollment growth of student participation in Rio Grande Valley Tech Prep programs. This chart shows that since January 2002, enrollment in Tech Prep programs of study had grown in all grade levels. This steady increase in participation can be interpreted as an indication that both students and educators recognized the value of participation in Tech Prep programs.

The steady increase in participation in Tech Prep can be interpreted to indicate students' and educators' recognition of the value of participating in Tech Prep.

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Gr ade 9 651 786 1,923 2,758 3,173 2,508 2,785 2,744 4,496 3,594Gr ade 10 1,447 1,302 1,945 2,924 3,491 3,232 2,967 3,075 4,354 4,383Gr ade 11 2,282 2,848 2,352 3,516 4,578 4,786 4,013 4,561 5,333 5,834Gr ade 12 2,742 4,184 3,893 5,257 6,241 6,414 6,082 6,582 6,815 7,054

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11

For many years, Texas law required high school students to pass exams as a graduation requirement. Those exams were known as the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Another indication that participation in Tech Prep programs of study produces better results is the TAKS scores for Valley Hispanic Tech Prep students. Table 2 illustrates a typical example of the pattern of scores by PEIMS code. These data illustrate the percentage of 11th grade Hispanic students in the Valley who met minimum standards in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 tests. The figures show that in all categories Hispanic students enrolled in Tech Prep programs of study and/or CTE coherent sequences met minimum standards at higher rates than non-Tech Prep students.

Again, an analysis of the difference between the two years indicates a separate effect of participation in Tech Prep programs. For example, the percent of PEIMS 0 Hispanic students who met minimum standards in math in 2008-2009 was 54 percent, or 21 percentage points less than the 75.4 percent for PEIMS 3 Hispanic students.

There was a significant overall improvement from 2009 to 2010 (54 percent to 78 percent for PEIMS 0 and 74.5 percent to 92.6 percent for PEIMS 3); however, the difference between PEIMS 0 and PEIMS 3 (Tech Prep) Hispanic students is still high at 14.6 percentage points.

Table 2: TAKS Report 2009-2010 – 11th Grade: Percent Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Students Meeting Minimum Standards

peims math reading science social studies

2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 20100 (no CTE enrollment) 54.0 78.0 78.7 81.4 46.0 77.4 82.1 93.8

1 (CTE as elective) 60.0 81.8 86.6 86.2 53.9 83.0 87.2 95.1

2 (CTE coherent sequence students) 66.6 87.2 88.0 91.5 58.5 86.8 90.4 96.8

3 (Tech Prep students) 75.4 92.6 92.6 94.0 69.1 92.7 94.3 98.7

RGV Hispanic Tech Prep students met minimum standards on TAKS at rates that were higher than these of non-Tech Prep students.

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SsuPPLEMEntAL DAtA FROM tHECB

The new report provided to RGV LEAD in summer 2012 by the THECB provided information for 2008, 2009, and 2010 with data sets comparing the performance of Tech Prep (PEIMS 3) students with non-Tech Prep students at regional and state levels. THECB shared information about both enrollment in post-secondary institutions of higher education and about the need for enrollment in Developmental Education (DE) at the time of enrollment in college. Table 3 provides college-enrollment information.

peims2008 rgv

2008 state

2009 rgv

2009 state

2010 rgv

2010 state

0 (no CTE courses) 52.79% 56.71% 56.21% 57.25% 51.29% 55.53%

1 (one CTE elective) 60.18% 58.10% 57.32% 58.25% 57.69% 57.26%

2 (CTE coherent sequence) 60.24% 57.44% 60.16% 58.89% 60.89% 58.06%

3 (Tech Prep program of study) 72.05% 62.63% 74.96% 64.52% 75.51% 64.20%

Table 3: Rio Grande Valley and Total State College Enrollment by PEIMS Code

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-legislated program designed to improve student achievement in college. The initiative includes the administration of TSI exams for incoming college freshmen. The exams are intended to ensure that students are ready to enter and succeed in college-level studies. The TSI initiative includes two components: (1) an assessment to diagnose students’ basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing; and (2) developmental instruction to strengthen any academic skills that need improvement.

The data in Table 3 does indicate that for both the Valley and the state as a whole students classified as PEIMS 2 (CTE coherent sequence) and PEIMS 3 (Tech Prep program of study) enrolled in college at

higher rates than other students. The data also show that this difference has remained steady for those three years. Enrollment in college does not necessarily mean that all those enrolled will complete their programs of study. There are a number of reasons that students drop out of college and examining all of these is beyond the scope of this report. However, research indicates that students required to participate in Developmental Education are more likely to drop out of college.

College enrollment rates for Rio Grande Valley Tech Prep students were encouraging.

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Chart 2 illustrates students’ placement in the TSI system and shows the percent of Valley students who were enrolled in Developmental Education in 2010. These data show that for the state as a whole, students classified as PEIMS 0 were least likely to be enrolled in Developmental Education (35 percent versus 46 percent, 47 percent and 41 percent for PEIMS 1, 2 and 3 respectively). For the Valley, however, that distribution is reversed. That is, for Valley students, those classified as PEIMS 3 (Tech Prep) were less likely to be enrolled in Developmental Education (29 percent versus

43 percent for each of the other three PEIMS classifications). This indicates that Valley students classified as PEIMS 3 (Tech Prep) were more likely to meet the requirements that exempt them from Developmental Education. While these data do not indicate why the Valley is different from the rest of the state, the data do show that for Valley students, participation in Tech Prep programs translates into higher levels of performance and perhaps a better chance of completing their post-secondary programs of study.

State % enrolled in DE

Valley % enrolled in DE

46%

43%

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State % enrolled in DE

Valley % enrolled in DE

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29%

PEIMs 3

State % enrolled in DE

Valley % enrolled in DE

35%

43%

PEIMs 0

State % enrolled in DE

Valley % enrolled in DE

47%

43%

PEIMs 2

Chart 2: Students Enrolled in Development Education in 2010 by PEIMS Code

Rio Grande Valley Tech Prep students were more likely to meet requirements that exempt them from enrolling in developmental education.

(no CTE) (one CTE elective)

(CTE CoherentSequence)

(Tech Prep)

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EDHOW TO BECOME INVOLVED

RGV LEAD is working to change the lives of Valley students by helping them to prepare for and succeed in jobs that lead to personal economic success. When Valley families experience economic success, that benefits the region as a whole.

RGV LEAD needs donors to support the expansion of job shadowing, Careers in Industries, RGV Mentors, Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship program.

RGV LEAD also needs volunteers to work with the Education & Career EXPO, regional conference, Generation Texas, Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and other initiatives implemented by the RGV LEAD board.

To learn more about RGV LEAD’s initiatives, visit www.rgvlead.com. To make a donation or become involved, contact RGV LEAD.

Education drives our economy, our companies … as educators, you must try to help every student identify and pursue his or her passion.

Joel StoneChief Executive Officer, SpawGlass

Joel Stone provided the keynote presentation at RGV LEAD's regional conference in December 2012. Pictured, left-to-right, are Rene Capistran, SpawGlass, RGV LEAD Board Chair; Teri Zamora, TSTC, RGV LEAD Treasurer; RGV LEAD Director Pat Bubb; Joel Stone; and Perry V. Vaughn, Associated General Contractors, RGV LEAD Executive Board. RGV LEAD offers many opportunities in which volunteers can become involved.

Page 31: RGV LEAD 2012 Annual Report

RGV LEAD stAFF MEMBERsPatricia g. (Pat) Bubb

Executive Director

Carolina DuranAccountant

Anadelia Gonzales, Ph.D.Special Projects Coordinator

Martha GutierrezWorksite Learning Specialist / P-16 Council Coordinator

todd HollandBrownsville Career Center Coordinator

Cynthia sparksRGV Mentors Coordinator

suPPORt stAFFEliza Groff

Administrative Secretary

Ruth HaqueAdministrative Secretary

Vicky MillhimesAccounting Assistant

Lilia PerezSecretary

s t a t e m e n t o f f u n d i n g

RGV LEAD programs are funded in part by grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and Brownville Economic Development Council, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, and the Mission Economic Development Corporation; in part by agreements for regional services with school districts; in part by fee-for-service contracts with school districts and colleges; and in part by contributions of supporters from businesses, public schools, and institutions of higher education.

s t a t e m e n t o f e q u a l o p p o r t u n i t y

No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored by RGV LEAD, on the basis of race, color, national, origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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M I S S I O n S T A T E M E n T Partnering to engage students in college-and-career-focused learning opportunities to achieve a higher level of competence in the workforce

TSTC Service Support Center, Suite 1231902 North Loop 499

Harlingen, Texas 78550-3697

Phone: 956.364.4509Fax: 956.364.5143

Email: [email protected]

www.rgvlead.com