RGV LEAD 2013 Annual Report

in the business of EDUCATIONWWW.RGVLEAD.COM

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

EXECUTIVE BOARD:Rene CapistranPresident

Naomi PeralesVice President

Gisela Figueroa, Ph.D.Treasurer

Theresa A. (Teri) AlarconMartha A. Cantu, Ed.D.Gregg McCumber, CPANolan E. Perez, M.D.Gabriel PuenteVirginia N. Richter, Ed.D.Gonzalo SalazarPerry A. Vaughn DIRECTORS:

BusinessJulian AlvarezAlonzo CantuThomas DearminLuis Figueroa, AIAAlex MeadeSandy VasquezManuel (Manny) Vela

EducationMarti Flores, Ed.D.Lisa Garcia, Ed.D.Rebecca L. SilvaLaura Boyer Talbot

At LargeCornelio Gonzalez, Ph.D.Charles Lackey, Ph.D.

ASSOCIATE BOARD:

BusinessAlbert G. ChronisFrank EspinozaLaura Lara, AIAEd Rivera

Education Adrian DorsettFelipe C. Salinas

DIRECTORS EMERITUS:

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

FROM THE DIRECTOR

I was honored to join RGV LEAD as Director in September 2013, and I am happy to introduce this annual report to you! RGV LEAD is in the business of education, and all 2013 activities were all designed

to fulfill our mission: partnering to engage students in college-and-career-focused learning opportunities to achieve a higher level of competence in the workforce.

In January, Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., was among those honored as RGV LEAD All Stars at our Third Annual Employers and Education Forum. Robin Painovich, Executive Director, CTAT (Career and Technology Association of Texas) and three members of the State Board of Education—Barbara Cargill (Chair), Donna Bahorich, and Ruben Cortez, joined us for the event.

In September, Robin Painovich returned to the Valley as keynote presenter for our Superintendents’ Annual Meeting. She also presented RGV LEAD’s outgoing director, Pat Bubb, with an award from CTAT at the event. The RGV LEAD board hosted the event. The Board also met quarterly to oversee activities, with new directors elected at the annual meeting.

Quarterly P-16 Council meetings focused on helping students transition successfully from high school to higher education and ultimately to careers. We also organized an ad hoc P-16 Council subcommittee focused on initiatives under HB5.

EXPO 2013 served over a thousand students. The event, featuring hands-on demonstrations by employers and higher education partners, was well received. The purpose of the EXPO is to introduce students to career opportunities and related education opportunities in the region.

In October we entered into discussions with the Ford National Team to bring a Ford NGL initiative to the Valley. That partnership is continuing to grow!

In December, Kristin Boyer, TG’s Director of Philanthropy, provided keynote remarks at our regional conference. Transition counseling featured prominently in the conference, and we were privileged to present awards to several outstanding teachers and counselors.

Other initiatives included GenTX, RGV Mentors, the Academic Leadership Alliance Summer Educator Externships, a pilot of ExCEL Educator Externships at Los Fresnos CISD, Tech Prep Texas Scholars and Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships. We began redesigning Tech Prep Texas Scholars into RGV LEAD Scholars in 2013.

RGV LEAD’s partnerships are invaluable to our mission. We appreciate the contributions our private and public sector partners have made in 2013. It’s a joy working with all of you as we move into the future!

Sincerely,

Norma L. Salaiz, Ph.D. Director

IN THE BUSINESSOF EDUCATION

CONTENTSOverview

Promoting College-and-Career ReadinessGenTX Day College Fair and Pep Rallies Promoting A College-Ready Culture Leading By Example, RGV Mentors The Education & Career EXPO: Teaching Students About College and Careers

Real World ExperiencesJob Shadowing and Careers in Industries Provide Career Exploration A Student Perspective An Employer PerspectiveAcademic Leadership Alliance (A•L•A) Summer Educator Externship: An Educator’s Perspective

RGV LEAD Honors Four Outstanding Educators2013 Teacher of the Year 2013 Secondary Counselor of the Year 2013 Postsecondary Counselor of the Year 2013 Lifetime Achievement in Counseling Award

2013 Tech Prep Texas Scholars

RGV LEAD’s Funding Drawn From Multiple Sources

Employers Invest in RGV LEADHonoring the All Stars: Third Annual Employers’ and Education Forum United Launch Alliance Supports RGV LEAD

RGV LEAD Funds

Supporting Data

How to Become Involved

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2 R G V L E A D 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T

2013 was a year of transition and moving forward. RGV LEAD’s Executive Director of 22 years announced her retirement. With over 32 years of service to education in the Rio Grande Valley, Pat Bubb is passionate about helping students find a career connection to encourage college-and-career success, and she has been a leader in fostering partnerships among educators, employers, and community leaders.

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If the world was as tenacious and compassionate as Pat Bubb, the world would be a better place. The programs we set up under Pat's leadership were the precursors for dual enrollment; it is incredible to know that she has made an immeasurable contribution to the Rio Grande Valley, the state of Texas as a whole, and really to this country.

Eduardo A. Campirano, Port Director and Chief Executive Officer,

Brownsville Navigation District/Port of Brownsville; Director Emeritus, RGV LEAD

Above: rgVision Mixer Honoring Pat Bubb: Eduardo A. Campirano, Port Director and Chief Executive Officer, Brownsville Navigation District/Port of Brownsville; Director Emeritus, RGV LEAD; and Patricia G. (Pat) Bubb.

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RGV LEAD named Dr. Norma L. Salaiz, a Valley educator with three decades of experience, as its new director. Salaiz joined RGV LEAD on September 1.

“We are excited to have Dr. Salaiz taking the lead of this great organization. She brings passion, enthusiasm, integrity, intelligence, creativity, and many other wonderful personal qualities to her new role,” said outgoing Director Pat Bubb. “We are confident we’ve found the right person to grow RGV LEAD, bring new excitement to the organization and continue the momentum inspired by business and academic advocates.”

“It is hard to imagine RGV LEAD without Pat Bubb; she has devoted a lifetime to helping the students and educators of the RGV. She has established herself as a pillar of our community by inspiring and motivating all that surround her. It is amazing how one person can make a difference and influence the course of human events,” said Rene Capistran, President of SpawGlass and Chairman of the RGV LEAD.

Bubb officially retired as Executive Director in October 2013; however, she remains a part-time employee at RGV LEAD, having assumed the role of Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships.

Even as these leadership transitions were occurring, RGV LEAD maintained its high level of involvement in initiatives such as Generation Texas, Job Shadowing,

I am honored to join RGV LEAD. As the eldest daughter of migrant farmworkers, I was raised to believe that education was the key out of poverty. My parents’ words encouraged me to pursue a career in education and strengthened my personal conviction that I could make a positive difference in the lives of children through the educational system.

Dr. Norma L. Salaiz

Careers in Industries, Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and many others described in this report.

RGV LEAD continues to facilitate 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 2013-2014.


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PROMOTING COLLEGE-AND - CAREER READINESS

GENTX DAYThe Rio Grande Valley Community joined RGV LEAD and other community leaders and partners at Texas State Technical College to promote a college-going and career-ready culture. Everyone was encouraged to wear college T-shirts in support of GenTx Day on May 3, 2013.

Martha Gutierrez, RGV LEAD Worksite Learning Specialist/P-16 Council Coordinator, said, “Encouraging students to attend college starts at a young age. It’s not just about reaching students at the secondary level.” According to Gutierrez, “We need to get students to start thinking about college at an early age. We’ve held several college pep rallies at elementary schools in Harlingen and this is just another way to reach students.”

Parents, students, children, educators and employers filled the State of Texas shape, outlined by TSTC, and a photograph was taken to commemorate GenTx Day. Channel 4 was there to cover the event.

The purpose of GenTX Day is to celebrate and congratulate the students of Generation TX—especially graduating seniors. Communities across the Valley and state came together to applaud student

successes and support students as they prepared to go to college and begin career training.

The GenTX initiative was created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The goal of GenTX Day was to push students to take at least one of three steps towards college:

1. Fill out a college application 2. Take a college tour 3. Be a college mentor

I pledge to make higher education my GOAL and to serve as a mentor for those in my community! I support Generation Texas!


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COLLEGE FAIR AND PEP RALLIES PROMOTING A COLLEGE-READY CULTURE

COLLEGE FAIR

The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District teamed up with RGV LEAD and the Lower Rio Grande P-16 Council to host a “Passport to College: an Eighth Grade College and Readiness Fair” on January 23, 2013.

129 Parents and 105 eighth-grade students participated in the evening, which was dedicated to early college preparation.

The mission of the Passport to College event was to educate students and their families about steps they could take to start preparing for college and their future careers. Financial Literacy Presentations were shared with families, as were other informative sessions on topics including programs of study, six-year plans, Grade Point Average (GPA), ranking and credit accrual.

PEP RALLIESFrom March to May 2013, RGV LEAD led elementary pep rally events at five Harlingen CISD elementary schools: Bonham, Ben Milam, Jefferson, Means, and Wilson Elementary. Over a thousand students from second to fifth

grade benefitted from these Pep Rallies. Harlingen CISD Board Members read to young students, and G-Force Collegiate students shared their own experiences. Rusty, the College Mascot from TSTC, and Harlingen CISD High School Cheerleaders also came out to cheer for the students. The purpose of these events was to create a college-going culture for students at an early age and to promote GenTX Day.

Above: Students pictured at Harlingen CISD. School Districts promoted GenTX Day within their campuses. Students wore their favorite college T-shirts and signed college pledge cards.

Above: Students hear from Rusty, TSTC Mascot, at the Pep Rally at Ben Milam Elementary, Harlingen CISD


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LEADING BY EXAMPLE, RGV MENTORS The RGV Mentors program held its first annual Kick Ball fundraiser on April 27, 2013. Mentors, protégés, parents, sponsors, and community volunteers competed in a mini-tournament to raise funds for the program and for RGV Mentors’ Scholarships.

In 2013, RGV Mentors’ school-based component served 56 high school students (protégés), and 29 college students (mentors), both of whom had the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, community professionals as part of the experience.

Above: Justin Elizaldo, RGV Mentor Protégé, Harlingen High School South, and Cynthia Sparks, RGV Mentors Coordinator

RGV Mentors is an excellent program and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I got to see what it’s like in a typical day for a person working in the career path that I want to take in life. My mentor went above and beyond for me, and I am grateful.

Justin ElizaldoRGV Mentor Protégé, Harlingen High School South

RGV Mentors is a network of professionals created to help facilitate the success of Rio Grande Valley high school students. RGV Mentors was founded by Valley native and Harlingen gastroenterologist Nolan E. Perez, M.D., who serves on the RGV LEAD Executive Board. “Mentors helped me in my life,” stated Perez. “We have to forget the curriculum for a while and make it our job to inspire and motivate and, most importantly, turn on that switch in that kid. We need to help get our kids to a higher place in life.” 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.


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Above: Students from the RGV Mentors program at the Closing Ceremony at Knapp Medical Center, Conference Center on May 22, 2013

Left: RGV Mentors Coordinator Cynthia Sparks with scholarship recipient Lindsey Longoria (who graduated #2 from Harlingen High School and plans to study at UT Austin), Dr. Nolan Perez, and RGV LEAD Board Chair Rene Capistran

THE EDUCATION & CAREER EXPO: TEACHING STUDENTS ABOUT COLLEGE AND CAREERS The 11th Annual Education & Career EXPO took place on October 10, 2013. Over 1,000 high school students and more than 80 business and educational institutions participated in the EXPO.

"The mission is to engage kids in college-and-career focused learning opportunities in order to deliver sharp and capable students into the workforce," said Pat Bubb, who at that time was RGV LEAD's Executive Director.

“We are a regional collaborative effort that belongs to nobody and everybody at the same time,” Bubb said. “RGV LEAD’s work complements the work done by school districts and colleges. We are doing things they do not do, while at the same time giving employers a more meaningful role in education than just giving money.”

The EXPO provides students with relevant information about career opportunities available in the Rio Grande Valley, the skills and education needed to secure these jobs and the educational institutions providing programs of study for those careers.


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I have been involved in the Education & Career EXPO for a number of years, and this event is like no other for students from the Valley area.We attempt to get businesses from throughout the Valley to participate and pair them up with the many university, community college and technical college programs that students can avail themselves of after graduation. It’s a unique event, because high school students are exposed to a variety of career exhibitors and higher education opportunities that are presented in a hands-on format.Perry VaughnExecutive Director of the Associated General Contractors of America, RGV LEAD Executive Board Member

Right: During the EXPO, Advise Texas College Students shared their testimonials about who they are and their transition into college life. Marcy Martinez, Anchor/Reporter for Action 4 News, gave valuable information on how to prepare for college and life.


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Right: Jeremy Moreno, a San Benito High School senior, uses a nail gun to build a stepping stool at the Texas State Technical College Building Construction Science program booth during the EXPO at Casa de Amistad.

2013 Education & Career Expo, Casa de Amistad, Harlingen: Valley students visiting exhibitors!


REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES

JOB SHADOWING AND CAREERS IN INDUSTRIES PROVIDE CAREER EXPLORATION

Job Shadowing and Careers in Industries are important initiatives for RGV LEAD because they give students the opportunity to explore careers that interest them, to learn more about the needs of the world of work, and to experience first-hand the “real world” applications of their academic studies. When employers open their doors to students, it makes a tremendous impact!

A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

A DAY IN CONSTRUCTION Intrigued with the 3D model of UTPA’s Fine Arts Building, Sharyland ISD students were amazed with the advanced technology used in construction. Eddie Solis, BIM (Building Information Modeling) Manager at SpawGlass, said, “I get to do 3D designs and modeling all day and I love it.” Solis encouraged students to start thinking of the various careers out in the real word and about the importance of pursing postsecondary education.

The students experienced first-hand the high-tech career options in the construction industry. They also learned about the geotechnical study of the soil

and wind. Project Manager Oscar Villarreal told the students, “Do your best now! It might seem like it takes long to become an engineer, but you need to invest in yourselves right now and who you are going to be tomorrow.”

RGV LEAD coordinated the Careers in Construction event as part of its work in the Mission Career Center Project, a partnership supported by the Mission Economic Development Corporation and other partners.

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Left: Seventeen Sharyland ISD students spent half a day with a team of architects, engineers, project managers, and technicians to see exactly what it takes to build a SpawGlass building. The students toured some of the building structures being remodeled by SpawGlass at UTPA’s Fine Arts Building, which is being enlarged and enhanced. When improvements are completed, the building will have an auditorium that seats a thousand people and many other features.


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A DAY IN FINANCE Jose Flores, a senior at Juarez-Lincoln High School, had the opportunity to spend half a day with the President/CEO of Security First Credit Union, Al Beltran. Beltran shared his own background and education and discussed with Flores the difference between a bank and a credit union and the story of how the credit union came to exist. Flores learned what “stockholders” are, as well as the terminology of finance, such as “balance sheets,” “assets,” and “capital.”

Beltran gave Flores important advice, stating: “Customer service is important! Treat people right and be loyal. When you build relationships, you build loyalty. Also, managing your credit is very important! Learn to manage your credit so that you can get a car loan at a low interest. And lastly, some employers do credit checks as part of the hiring process so you want to make sure can show them you have financial responsibility.”

Flores was very interested in everything Beltran had to share. Interested in the fields of law and business. Flores stated: “The history of the bank and how they grew and the planning and strategic plans it take to run a credit union were very interesting…I learned a lot, and I didn’t think it would be so much work. I am thankful for Mr. Beltran’s advice and guidance.” Flores enrolled in dual enrollment courses in high school to help prepare him for his career goals.

I plan to pursue my goals and continue on to college to get the degree I need to be successful. This experience has helped me realize what is necessary to prepare for a career in architecture and also how important math is.Felipe VegaSharyland ISD Student Above: Felipe Vega, (pictured in the middle), who helps his uncle in construction

work, plans to be an architect. He is taking architecture classes in high school and has learned to sketch plans and designs.Vega enjoyed learning about 3D modeling and the technology that is involved in real-life projects.

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AN EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE

Hosting a student for job shadowing gives us the opportunity to help young students to get a real view of a profession or trade.We can help lead them into the correct path for their future. It was very rewarding to see the students’ faces when they are given the opportunity to experience a career field that was of interest to them. You could tell their brains are working, thinking about their future. It is a good feeling to know that even if briefly, you had a positive influence in someone’s future!Clarissa MoralesHuman Resource Director at McAllen Construction

So great to see students committed and with such great enthusiasm and desire for success. We're here for you - you may one day be an executive with Univision. Si Se Puede.Rogelio HernadezUnivision


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ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE (A•L•A) SUMMER EDUCATOR EXTERNSHIPS: AN EDUCATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Aimee LaFevers' comments described the purpose of the A•L•A program perfectly. A•L•A gives educators first-hand experience in the “real world” of work. Using their newly gained knowledge, educators like LaFevers get to incorporate their experience into their classroom lessons, impacting hundreds of students.

Clint Roberts, Senior Environmental Scientist at Ambiotec Environmental Consultants, Inc., stated, “Being able to participate in A•L•A allows us to show our educators the skills, work ethic, logic and reasoning that it takes to succeed in our field of work. I know our educator extern (Griselda Bochas) will take back what she learned and help develop those skills with her students.”

“A•L•A is a web of connections . . . educators and employers working together to make a difference for

our students and future workforce. One educator will work with over a hundred students in the school year following the experience; so A•L•A’s impact is exponential. All A•L•A partners have committed to working together to improve the skills of the Rio Grande Valley’s workforce,” said Dr. Gloria J. Crum, A•L•A Regional Coordinator. A total of 39 employers and 48 teachers and counselors celebrated the conclusion of another successful experience in summer 2013.

I want to thank whoever came up with A•L•A program…I went from college and then straight to the classroom; and I never got hands-on experience.Aimee LaFeversBiology and Chemistry Teacher from McAllen ISD at Rio Grande Regional Hospital

I teach chemistry and my time with Ambiotec was a perfect match! I truly loved this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will be incorporating more problem-solving work into my lessons and challenge my students more to develop them into the workforce that our community needs.Griselda BochasBrownsville ISD Chemistry teacher

Above: During her externship at Ambiotec, Griselda Bochas, Brownsville ISD Chemistry teacher, received hands-on experience doing soil sampling, working with hydrogen carbon vapors, and assisting in installing and removing water wells.

RGV LEAD HONORS FOUR OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

On December 12, 2013, RGV LEAD honored four educators with awards recognizing their dedication and leadership in education and the community. The awards ceremony was held during RGV LEAD's An-nual Regional Conference, a conference designed to equip educators to help students accomplish college goals and succeed in the world of work.

2013 TEACHER OF THE YEARJames Boyle, a history teacher at Sharyland North Junior High School, was named RGV LEAD’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. Boyle has been teaching for 23 years and has recently changed his style of teaching to keep up with the changes in

technology. Boyle models for his students the way that technology is impacting the world, so that his students are ready to meet those challenges.

Boyle uses cooperative learning as the basis for in-structional delivery to ensure all students are engaged.

“He told me that the workplace requires people to work together, and the classroom should be no differ-ent. He has integrated technology into his classroom in many ways, and he genuinely cares about his stu-dents,” said Esteban Abrego, who nominated Boyle for the award.

During his acceptance speech at the conference, Boyle told the group: “This conference has inspired me to become a better educator. I think about all of the technological advances we have now, iPhone, iPods, computers, tablets, etc., and I ask myself, ‘How can I prepare myself for the unknown?’ This question is what inspires me to be a better teacher.” Boyle finished his acceptance speech by stating, “We need

to create free thinkers. We are the creators of free thinkers…that will rule the world and become inspir-ers someday.” Boyle’s inspired teaching has greatly impacted and transformed his students and classroom.

2013 SECONDARY COUNSELOR OF THE YEARValerie Paredes was recog-nized for her contribu-tions in bringing career awareness to Harlingen CISD students and parents, as well as to other counselors and teachers. Her efforts have helped many students enter a

pathway to college and career readiness.

Because of Paredes’ efforts, over the past four years Harlingen CISD's career and technical education (CTE) and dual enrollment programs at Harlingen South High School have grown from 14 students earning 54 college hours to 259 students earning 1,165 college hours. According to Harlingen South’s Lead Counselor, Diana Young, "Valerie has had a tremendous impact on transitioning old beliefs into new modern ones. Her work in explaining career preparation in individual classes has led to a better understanding for not only our students, but also our CTE and academic teachers and counselors."

Paredes, who stated she was honored to receive the award, said, "I didn't grow up on the right side of the tracks; however my mom has always been my greatest motivator. It is important to get students college-ready, but more important, life-ready!"

Paredes will continue to support, motivate, and guide


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her students. In addition, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Texas-Pan American. As a testament to her work, Paredes has had an article published in the Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education.

2013 POSTSECONDARY COUNSELOR OF THE YEARSonia del Angel, Direc-tor of Educational Talent Search at The University of Texas-Pan American, has been an advocate for the students of the Rio Grande Valley for over 20 years. One might say that she learned the value of

education “at her parents’ knee”! She is the oldest of seven children, and six of them graduated from UTPA along with their mother.

"My family and I are reflective of other students in the Rio Grande Valley,” she said. "I am a product of UT Pan American's Student Affairs program initiative. My family and I are where we are because someone took an interest in us...and because my parents instilled the importance of education."

Del Angel is passionate about helping Rio Grande Valley young people to succeed. In her role as Talent Search Director, del Angel has helped thousands of Rio Grande Valley students prepare for success.

Del Angel's passion for helping students of the Rio Grande Valley is the reason she has served as Director of Educational Talent Search at UTPA since 1989. Del Angel is actively involved in serving students and families and in giving back to the community.

As a member of RGV LEAD's P-16 initiatives leader-ship team, del Angel encouraged everyone to join RGV LEAD, stating: "We are embarking on a new era and developing new students." She stressed the importance of staying informed and working in col-laboration with others.

2013 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN COUNSELING AWARDAwesome, incredibly pas-sionate, kind-hearted, and humble: these are a few of the terms that describe Fameliza Sanchez, re-cipient of an RGV LEAD Lifetime Achievement in Counseling award for 2013. Sanchez received

the special Lifetime Achievement award because she has dedicated over 50 years of her life to providing excellent counseling services for students. In fact, even though she is now retired, Sanchez continues working with students because she is passionate about helping those students to succeed.

Ann Cadriel, Career Preparation teacher, Gladys Porter High School, Brownsville ISD, who nominated Mrs. Sanchez for the award, stated: “Mrs. Sanchez always has students' best interest at heart. When she speaks, you can hear in her voice and see in her smile the passion she has for helping people...She has a heart of gold, a smile that will light up the room, and the passion for counseling that is well above others!"

Sanchez, who began her career as an elementary counselor, has also provided counseling services for students in middle school and high school. She also taught counseling at the college level for over 20 years. Even in retirement, Sanchez is so passionate about helping students that she returned to work after retire-ment, continuing her lifetime of service as a part-time grant counselor at Faulk Middle School, Brownsville ISD.

Sanchez shared the reasons she continues work-ing with students, even in retirement: "I have been working for 51 years. I retired in 2008 but was asked to come back for one year. This is now my fifth year back. As long as my health is well and I have the sup-port of my family and the support from Faulk Middle School, then all will be well." Sanchez stated she was surprised and humbled by the award.


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2013 TECH PREP TEXAS SCHOL ARS

In Spring 2013, a total of 7,392 students received graduation honors as Tech Prep Texas Scholars. Tech Prep Texas Scholars complete college-preparatory programs of study and pursue career majors at the same time. These students also earn college credits in high school through various types of courses. Over 85,000 students have graduated as Tech Prep Texas Scholars since RGV LEAD began the Tech Prep Texas Scholars initiative in 1999.

Graduation as a Tech Prep Texas Scholar is required to compete for a Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship. Four Tech Prep Texas Scholar graduates went on to be named recipients of one of the Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships in Spring 2013. The Cavazos Scholarship awards will help these students get a head start in accomplishing their career goals. Meet RGV LEAD's 2013 Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Scholarship Recipients:

SELENA CASTILLO "Ten years from now I picture myself in a classroom mak-ing a difference in the lives of my students...my desire is to be the teacher that pushes them to be all that they can be. I will be the kind of teacher that has faith in them even when they don't have any in themselves," said Selena Castillo from Harlingen High School. Castillo was awarded a $2,100 President's Scholarship to Texas State Technical College, where she plans to pursue her passion in the field of education. As part of her extracurricular activities, Castillo is part of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Club.

Volunteering at Long Elementary School as a teacher's aide, Castillo has gained experience and has found working with students to be very rewarding. "It has been two years now and I love it more than anything...I have met some pretty amazing kids," said Castillo of her experience at Long Elementary.

TRICIA CRUZ According to Tricia Cruz from Palmview High School, La Joya ISD, the Health Science Tech Prep program is one of the influences that helped her keep the same career goal as when she entered high school: to become a medi-cal doctor. Cruz was awarded the $5,000 Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarship. She plans to pursue a medical degree.

"My career goals are to become a physician specialized in internal medicine, and then receive my naturopathic medical doctoral degree...I also envision becoming an entrepreneur and having my own private practice clinic," said Cruz. Cruz has worked as an intern since 2012 with Dr. Shirley Silvia Layton, MD NP, a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Layton said, "Tricia is an avid student and prolific researcher when she encounters intriguing, complex, rare or unknown diseases and ailments...she is an excellent student role model and an asset to our clinic."


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RGV LEAD celebrates all of the 2013 Tech Prep Texas Scholar graduates and congratulates the students who were named recipients of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships in 2013.

ELIZABETH RICARDES, a Harlingen High School graduate, plans to apply her $2,100 President's Scholarship to Texas State Technical College in hopes of becoming a nurse. Enrolled in the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program in high school, Ricardes says, "It is such an amazing thing that I love being a part of! Meeting so many different people at the nursing home is the best part of it. They are my motivation for why I want to make it far in life."

The most important motivators in Ricardes’ life are her parents. They have helped her and given her the inspiration to be the best she can be.

MEREDITH SERNA, a future civil engineer, says, “The Tech Prep courses have not only made me a wiser and more focused senior, but they have shaped me as an individual with characteristics and skills that promise me a prominent future as an engineer. The courses and organizations like Business Professionals of America …have granted me presentation and speaking skills that will make me a great candidate for companies such as SpawGlass.…”

Serna, ranked top of her class from Johnny G. Economedes High School, Edin-burg CISD, was awarded the $2,000 SpawGlass Scholarship. Serna planned to begin her postsecondary education at Texas State Technical College and then continue to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Texas Pan American (UTRGV).

2013 TECH PREP TEXAS SCHOL ARS


RGV LEAD’S FUNDING DRAWNFROM MULTIPLE SOURCES

SCHOOL DISTRICTS COLLABORATE IN REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

Support provided by school district and higher education partners has allowed RGV LEAD to provide staff support for Tech Prep Texas Scholars and the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships. These funds also support other regional initiatives, such as regional P-16 Council meetings and annual updates of RGV LEAD’s regional labor market report. These school districts are RGV LEAD’s partner districts, providing funds for RGV LEAD’s regional operations, and RGV LEAD expects the list to continue to grow.

Brownsville ISD Lyford CISD San Benito CISD Edcouch-Elsa ISD McAllen ISD San Isidro ISDEdinburg CISD Mercedes ISD San Perlita ISDHarlingen CISD Mission CISD Santa Maria ISDHidalgo ISD PSJA ISD Santa Rosa ISDLa Feria ISD Point Isabel ISD Sharyland ISDLa Joya ISD Raymondville ISD South Texas ISDLa Villa ISD Rio Hondo ISD Valley View ISDLasara ISD Roma ISD Weslaco ISDLos Fresnos CISD

SCHOOL DISTRICTS PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATOR EXTERNSHIPS

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 that help offset the cost of regional operations. School districts that participated in A•L•A in 2013 were these:

Brownsville ISD La Villa ISD PSJA ISDHarlingen CISD McAllen ISD Sharyland ISDLa Joya ISD Mission CISD

School districts also pay registration fees for their staff to participate in RGV LEAD’s annual regional conference, and two school districts—Los Fresnos CISD and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD—contracted with RGV LEAD for specific projects for their students.

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In Fall 2013, RGV LEAD, Los Fresnos CISD, and several employers embarked in a pilot of year-round educator externships: the ExCEL Educator Externships. Los Fresnos CISD paid for costs of participation for its staff.


TECH PREP TEXAS SCHOLAR GRADUATE RECOGNITION CONTINUES

The school districts named below participated in RGV LEAD’s Tech Prep Texas Scholars program in 2013. This program honors graduating seniors who met the requirements of the Tech Prep Texas Scholars program, which promotes students’ preparation for advancement in both college and careers.

Brownsville ISD PSJA ISDEdcouch-Elsa ISD Progreso ISDEdinburg CISD Raymondville ISDHarlingen CISD Rio Grande City CISDHidalgo ISD Rio Hondo ISDLa Feria ISD Roma ISDLa Joya ISD San Benito CISDLasara ISD San Perlita ISDLos Fresnos CISD Santa Maria ISDLyford CISD Sharyland ISDMcAllen ISD South Texas ISDMercedes ISD Valley View ISDMission CISD Weslaco ISDPoint Isabel ISD

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PARTICIPATE IN MANY WAYS

Colleges and universities contributed to RGV LEAD’s regional initiatives in multiple ways in 2013:

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 the cost of 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 President's Scholarships 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 the cost of A•L•A’s regional operations); and provided two scholarships 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

Working through the leadership of its private-sector-guided board of directors, RGV LEAD has customized its approach in communities through contracts with economic development organizations and participation of school district and higher education partners. EDC-funded Career Center initiatives conducted in 2013 included these:

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 Economic Development Council, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and individual educators and employers.

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation supported the Harlingen Career Center project with partners including Harlingen CISD, Texas State Technical College, and individual 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 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 designed to maximize opportunities for students and families.

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GRANTS PROVIDE FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS

A grant of federal College Access Challenge Grant funds from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board brought Generation Texas (GenTX) activities to the Valley:

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

Developing a plan to sustain the GenTX initiative in the region

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HONORING THE ALL STARS: THIRD ANNUAL EMPLOYERS’ AND EDUCATION FORUMOn January 11, 2013, Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E., and Albert G. Chronis were honored as RGV LEAD ALL STARS during RGV LEAD’s Third Annual Employers’ and Education Forum.

Senator Lucio was honored with the awards because he has been a continuous supporter of RGV LEAD’s work in this region for over 15 years. In 1999, Senator Lucio sponsored legislation creating the Texas Tech Prep Act. Since that time, he has played

an integral part in the development of Tech Prep RGV (now RGV LEAD).

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E., then TSTC President, received the All Star Award because in 1992 he served as the organizational designer for RGV LEAD’s predecessor, Tech Prep of the RGV. Maldonado, one of the driving forces behind RGV LEAD for more than 20 years ago, was recognized for his time and effort with the organization that unites education and industry.

“I’ve been very blessed to be involved with this group,” Maldonado told a packed conference center. “I’ve learned more by contributing

time to Tech Prep than if I worked on three Ph.Ds. My success is not due to me. I’ve worked with a lot of great people.”

Maldonado credited RGV LEAD Executive Director Pat Bubb with providing leadership in the early days of Tech Prep.

“The starting point was a blank sheet of paper,” Maldonado said. “We had little money and we had

I’ve learned more by contributing time to Tech Prep than if I worked on three Ph.Ds. My success is not due to me. I’ve worked with a lot of great people.Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E.Former TSTC President


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Dto figure out what we could do. So we came up with a concept on how to work with educators and industry on improving economic development in the region. And once we came up with it, we had to figure out how to sell it. It took years and hard work but the right people were finally on board.”

Albert G. Chronis, who at that time was a project manager for ERO Architects, was recognized as a former Tech Prep student who successfully obtained a higher education, and continues to give back to the community by volunteering to help high school students interested in architecture. Chronis, now a project manager for SpawGlass, has served on the RGV LEAD Board for over two years.

“What RGV LEAD did for me was open the doors. I was introduced to RGV LEAD when it was formerly called Tech Prep…it gave me the opportunity to start taking drafting classes…and I now get to spend my day involved with my two passions in life, architecture and education,” said Chronis.

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE SUPPORTS RGV LEADThe $1,000 check that Ernest A. Roybal, Jr., Director of Product Operations for United

Launch Alliance, presented to Todd Holland and Martha Gutierrez of RGV LEAD represents the aerospace company’s long-term commitment to help-ing prepare its future workforce. Given in recogni-tion of what RGV LEAD does by guiding students into courses and pathways for careers in Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the donation underscores ULA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that link business and education.

ULA’s focus in education is on STEM careers, and that aligns perfectly with the mission of RGV LEAD,” said Roybal at the Harlingen facility, which has been making Atlas launch vehicles for over 25 years.

“RGV LEAD has demonstrated success in helping increase graduation rates and directing rising numbers to pursue STEM careers at the college level, giving young people better opportunities. We are all on the same path and excited to help RGV LEAD,” Roybal said. In the long term, he hopes skilled STEM graduates will come to work at ULA.

The ULA check, which has become a tradition, will be used to support RGV LEAD’s STEM initiatives in the Harlingen community and other parts of the Valley.


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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 school district funds for A•L•A, the Education & Career EXPO, and RGV Mentors initiatives are deposited into accounts for those purposes. Monies deposited to RGV LEAD’s Local Funds account are derived from individual donations, fund-raising events, conference registrations, purchase of materials for Tech Prep Texas Scholars, and proceeds of closed-out accounts.

In 2013, RGV LEAD’s funding total funding of $718,980 was derived from these sources: colleges and universities, $99,951 (13.90%); economic development organizations, $227,500 (31.65%); school districts, $236,564 (32.9%) grant contracts, $128,912 (17.93%), and employers, $26,054 (3.62%). These funds pro-vided for programs directly serving the students of the Valley, and they also underwrote the costs of services provided by RGV LEAD staff, who function much like project managers for joint ventures. The work of RGV LEAD staff complements–and does not duplicate—the work done by staff in school districts, colleges, and universities. No nonprofit organization can operate without funding to support its work, and RGV LEAD is grateful for the support provided by its partners in 2013!

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The 2013 supporters of individual RGV LEAD initiatives not already named are:

EDUCATION & CAREER EXPO 2013 PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC), RGV ChapterCasa de Amistad City of Harlingen CTO, Inc.Culligan Generation TXGulf Aviation Harlingen Manufacturers’ AssociationHarlingen Area Chamber of CommerceHarlingen CISD Parental Involvement Harlingen Community Development

Harlingen Economic Development CorporationHarlingen Medical CenterHarlingen Performing Arts TheaterH-E-BLonestar IceLower Rio Grande P-16 CouncilMagic Valley Electric Cooperative MuzakRgVisionRGV + Beyond Arts and More Region One ESC

SpawGlassSouth Texas College Texas A&M University Texas Southmost CollegeTexas State Technical CollegeUniversity of Texas at BrownsvilleUniversity of Texas at Pan American Valley Baptist Health SystemsWorkforce Solutions Cameron

CASH AND IN-KIND DONATIONS FOR RGV LEAD EVENTS

AEP Texas Central Company-DistAmbiotec Civil Engineering Group, Inc.Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC), RGV ChapterAT&TBroaddus & AssociatesLinda Burke, DDSBurton, McCumber & Cortez, LLPDr. Arturo CavazosCity of Brownsville Colletti’s (Jo Rae Wagner)CTO, Inc. (Jo Rae Wagner)El Vaquero Restaurant Epic Anesthesia Services, LLPERO International, LLPGomez, Mendez, Saenz, Inc.

Harlingen Manufacturers' Association, Inc. Harlingen Medical CenterH-E-B (Linda Tovar)Knapp Medical CenterLinebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLPLone Star National BankPeacock General Contactors Dr. and Mrs. Nolan PerezStephanie RendonRGV AcademicRio Grande Valley Partnership FoundationRiver City Youth FoundationFelipe Salinas

Security First Federal Credit UnionSerafy Laboratories, Ltd.SpawGlassCharles Sweeney, Jr. Texas Gas ServiceTexas State Technical CollegeThe Sanchez Law FirmTrevino & Bodden United Launch AllianceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center, San AntonioValley Baptist Health SystemsWorkforce Solutions


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EMPLOYERS SUPPORTING ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE (A•L•A) SUMMER EXTERNSHIPSAND ExCEL EXTERNSHIPS

Ambiotec Group, Inc. Austin MS, PSJA ISD SecurityBest BuyBrownsville Community Health CenterBrownsville Public Utilities Board (PUB)Burton CompaniesBurton McCumber & Cortez, LLPCity of Los FresnosCity of McAllenCity of MissionCracker BarrelCountry Inn & SuitesDoctors Hospital at RenaissanceExcel, Inc.Gomez Mendez Saenz, Inc.Frank Smith Toyota Hyundai

Harlingen Water Works SystemsHidalgo County Appraisal DistrictHidalgo County CourthouseIBC Bank, Brownsville & McAllenKeppel AmfelsLone Star National BankLong Chilton, LLPMagic Valley Electric CooperativeMcAllen Chamber of CommerceMcAllen Construction, Inc.McAllen Economic Development CorporationMcAllen Foreign Trade ZoneMcAllen Police DepartmentMission Regional Medical Center

Motorola Solutions, Inc.NAFT Federal Credit UnionPerdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins, & Mott, LLPRio Grande Regional HospitalSpawGlassSouth Texas CollegeTexas A&M University Kingsville Citrus CenterTexas State Technical CollegeThe Medicine ShoppeUniversity of Texas Pan AmericanValley Regional Medical CenterValley Baptist Health SystemsWorkforce Solutions

EMPLOYERS SUPPORTING JOB SHADOWING IN 2013

Ambiotec Group, Inc. Consulting Point, Inc.Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Halff AssociatesHidalgo County CourthouseIBC BankMcAllen ConstructionRegional Academic Health Science Center (RAHC)

Saint-Gobain AbrasivesSecurity First Credit Union SpawGlassTella Tool and Manufacturing CompanyTipotex ChevroletTipton Ford MotorsUnited Launch AllianceUnivision Radio Network


SUPPORTING DATA

The RGV LEAD Board is committed to accountability and to making program decisions based on an analysis of data evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives. For the 19 years that Tech Prep was federally funded RGV LEAD utilized the regional data reports from the state Tech Prep office, College Tech Prep of Texas, for program evaluation. These reports provided data on student outcomes including participation, dropout rates, attendance rates, graduation rates and passing rates on state mandated exams by codes assigned in PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System—a comprehensive data system maintained by the Texas Education Agency). These reports from College Tech Prep of Texas, however, were discontinued when federal funding for Tech Prep was eliminated in 2011. To learn more, and to examine the data provided in earlier years, please review RGV LEAD’s data reports that are available online at this address: http://www.rgvlead.com/annual.html.

In order to continue the data-driven evaluation of programs, in 2013 RGV LEAD entered into a contract with The University of Texas at Austin’s Education Research Center (UT ERC).

Created by legislative mandate in 2006, the UT ERC is an independent, non-partisan, and non-

profit organization focused on generating data-based solutions for Texas education and workforce demands. The UT ERC provides access to high-quality longitudinal data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The UT ERC data resources span from the pre-kindergarten level through higher education (P-16) and into the Texas workforce. Researchers can use this rich warehouse of data to follow individual Texas students from their first day in school to their first day on the job.

RGV LEAD’s contract with the UT ERC provides that the UT ERC will provide a regional report for RGV LEAD. The contract was finalized in late 2013, and the first report will be delivered to RGV LEAD in late 2014. Once that report is finalized, it will be published on the RGV LEAD website, and interested individuals will be able to review the report online by going to the RGV LEAD website and clicking on the link for “Data” at the bottom of the page.

The ERC report will include accompanying data tables that RGV LEAD will utilize to create district-specific data reports for its partner districts.

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HOW 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 ex-pansion of Job Shadowing, Careers in Indus-tries, RGV Mentors, RGV LEAD Scholars (successor to Tech Prep Texas Scholars), and the related scholarship program.

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

To learn more about RGV LEAD’s initiatives, visit www.rgvlead.com. To make a donation or to become involved, contact RGV LEAD at 956.364.4509 or [email protected].

RGV LEAD staff and Board members planned a surprise for outgoing Executive Director Pat Bubb at RGV LEAD's annual meeting in October 2013. Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., presented Bubb with a Texas flag that had been flown over the Texas Capitol to commemorate her retirement and successes. Senator Lucio is, has been, and is, a long-term supporter of the work of RGV LEAD.


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RGV LEAD STAFF MEMBERSNorma L. Salaiz, Ph.D.

Director

Patricia G. (Pat) BubbCoordinator of Strategic Partnerships

Carolina DuranAccountant

Anadelia Gonzales, Ph.D.Special Projects Coordinator

Martha GutierrezWorksite Learning Specialist / P-16 Council Coordinator

Todd HollandAssistant Director/Brownsville Career Center Coordinator

Cynthia SparksRGV Mentors Coordinator

SUPPORT STAFFKristina Avila

Accounting AssistantEliza Groff

Administrative Secretary

Ruth HaqueAdministrative Secretary

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 Brownville Economic Development Council, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, and the Mission Economic Devel-opment 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 support-ers from businesses, public schools, institutions of higher education, and individuals.

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.

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

Documents

RGV LEAD 2013 Annual Report