SWTJC, Mexican Consulate partner to boost education

Uvalde, TX, August 9, 2023 - Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) President Dr. Hector Gonzales welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Mexican Consulate for a productive and forward-thinking meeting on July 28. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both entities to empower Mexican Americans and Mexican Nationals through education and support services.

The partnership between SWTJC and the Mexican Consulate aims to strategically enhance Measurable Skills Gains (MSGs), employment transitions, and the target population's secondary school/training credential attainments. The collaborative efforts are focused on achieving the following objectives:

• Increase ESL Literacy Levels: The partnership seeks to achieve a significant milestone of 45% level completion in English as a Second Language (ESL) literacy, addressing the language barrier that many individuals face.
• Enhance ABE/ASE Literacy Levels: By realizing 42% level completion in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) literacy, the collaboration aims to provide foundational skills for personal and professional growth.
• Realize Greater Employment and Training Transitions: The partnership aims to facilitate smoother transitions into employment and training opportunities, contributing to economic advancement within the community.
• Enhance Overall Customer Experience: Increased coordination and collaboration between SWTJC and the Mexican Consulate will enhance students' overall experience, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.

Dr. Gonzales expressed his enthusiasm about the collaborative initiative: "This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible and impactful education to our diverse community. By joining forces with the Mexican Consulate, we are better equipped to address the unique challenges Mexican Americans and Mexican Nationals face."

Ysenia Silva, SWTJC Senior Director of Student Success Services, emphasized the commitment to comprehensive support, saying, "Our comprehensive assessment tracking system, coupled with the dedication to tracking Measurable Skills Gains (MSGs) and Credential Obtainment, ensures that we are actively monitoring student progress and providing tailored support for their success."

The collaboration between the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME), the Mexican Consulate, and SWTJC involves providing scholarship funding of $4,000. The funds will be distributed as $3,000 for higher education and $1,000 for Adult Education L. This financial support will be instrumental in helping eligible Mexican American immigrants pursue their educational goals by covering expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation. Additionally, SWTJC will match the funds provided by the IME and the Mexican Consulate.

The partnership extends further with plans to expand GED opportunities to Mexican Nationals residing in the area, making education more accessible to a broader segment of the community.

"We deeply appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Mexican Consulate and their partnership with SWTJC," Dr. Gonzales noted. "Together, we are empowering individuals with education, skills, and opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on their lives and the community as a whole."

For more information about the collaborative partnership between Southwest Texas Junior College and the Mexican Consulate, contact Ysenia Silva, SWTJC Senior Director of Student Success Services, at ymsilva@swtjc.edu or (830) 591-7376.