Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Twenty-eight parents taking courses through Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD’s (PSJA ISD) Family & Community Engagement Program were among those recognized and awarded Dell laptops by Region One Education Service Center during a special ceremony held June 23.
As part of the ceremony, Region One ESC and their partner RGV Focus, congratulated the parents in attendance, which also included parents from other school districts, and presented them with Dell laptop computers. This was made possible thanks to a joint grant to help parents overcome barriers with technology at home as they continue pursuing their GED and education.
The laptops were made available to PSJA ISD parents who completed their GED this past spring, and who plan to continue taking continuing education courses through the PSJA Family & Community Engagement Program.
“It’s an honor to be able to take advantage of these classes and all the opportunities we have,” said PSJA Parent Rolando Gamez. “Receiving this laptop is a big help to me and my family because we don’t have the means to buy a computer.”
According to the Department Director Norma Garza, the free programs offered by PSJA are possible thanks to numerous community partnerships including South Texas College and Region One. PSJA ISD’s partnership with Region One helps offer Adult Education services, which include English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education and GED preparation courses.
“Thank you to our partners, especially Region One, for helping us provide life-changing opportunities for our parents and offering these important resources,” said Garza. “Access to technology and devices is one of the continuing needs we know our parents. This contribution is important because they will be able to continue their education, whether it is in person or virtually from their home.”
Through PSJA ISD’s nationally recognized parent program, each year over 6,000 PSJA parents participate in free classes in any of the eight Parent/Community Education Centers throughout the tri-city area. This past year, the pandemic did not stop them from continuing this work, as they continued to attend classes virtually. To learn more about this program offered to all parents of PSJA students, visit www.psjaisd.us/parentclasses.
