Juan G. Morales is wasting no time getting ahead in life.
That’s because the recent United High School graduate is participating in a unique state-funded summer program, where he is learning valuable job skills and getting paid to attend classes.
Morales, along with more than 30 other high school students and recent high school graduates, are participating in Project Step-Up at Laredo Community College.
The continuing education program is funded by the Texas Workforce Commission. The program is divided into two, four-week sessions.
Morales, who has completed the first session of the program and just began the second session July 3, is pleased to be enrolled in Project Step-Up.
“I’m learning new skills, doing more reading and making new friends. I’m excited and looking forward to learning more during the second session,” Morales said.
In the morning, students are taking classes in Microsoft Excel, basic medical assistant technician, computer-aided drafting for specific occupations and intermediate office machines.
In addition to workforce training, the students are learning skills dealing with job searching, life coping, customer service and more.
Project Step-Up coordinator Elda Gutierrez said that the program’s goal is to help students ages 16 to 21 to choose a path to continue studying at the college level or seek employment.
“The participants are enjoying working with the computers and the medical course. I even have one student who is interested in a career as a pediatrician,” Gutierrez said.
Other participants with big dreams are Cigarroa High School senior Vanessa Hernandez who wants to be a teacher, and Martin High School graduate Rosalinda Maldonado who plays the flute and guitar and plans to attend LCC to study music.
Project Step-Up also allows participants to gain actual work experience in various LCC departments, including nursing, human resources, technical services and physical plant.
Gutierrez added that students are receiving free meals and are earning a living by receiving a stipend up to $400 per session.
Gutierrez noted that eligibility is determined by TWC based on family income. Project Step-Up has been in existence at LCC for about six years.
Project Step-Up participant Juan Morales aligns text using Microsoft Word during his computer class.
Project Step-Up Instructor Jose Cisneros assists Rosalinda Maldonado with a classroom activity.
Project Step-Up students, from left, David Torres, Robert Alvarado Jr. and Jose Solis enjoy the experience they are gaining from working with computer-aided drafting technology.
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