The following column was originally published in the Laredo Morning Times Business Journal. Laredo College participates each month and everyone is encouraged to pick up a copy of the Laredo Morning Times to catch the story first.
Economic mobility is not just about earning potential; it’s about creating opportunities for individuals to build better lives for themselves and their families. Laredo College has actively sought to empower the community and the South Texas region through affordable and convenient programs.
With over 18 years of experience in education administration, workforce development and adult education, I have always believed education as a great equalizer. The Community Education Division oversees various areas encompassing workforce initiatives, including over 30 credentialed programs, career services and employer partnerships that embody the college’s position as an educational cornerstone in the region.
However, for many individuals, the traditional pathways to higher education may not be the most accessible. For employers, one of the most pressing challenges they face today is the skills gap: the disconnect between the skills job-seekers possess and the skills employers require.
Short-term workforce programs address this issue by tailoring courses to meet industry demands. These programs are proving to be a powerful tool in achieving this goal, empowering students to break free from cycles of poverty and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.
The benefits of short-term workforce programs extend beyond individual students to the broader community. When students transition into well-paying jobs, they not only improve their financial stability but also contribute to the local economy. Increased employment rates lead to greater consumer spending, reduced reliance on public assistance programs and a more skilled labor pool that attracts businesses and fosters economic growth.
Furthermore, this year, we will focus on maintaining non-credit programs at an affordable cost, making them accessible to students who cannot take on large amounts of debt. We will also continue to be flexible by designing programs with working adults in mind, offering courses and programs during the day, evening, weekends or online. This will allow students to balance education with other responsibilities, like work and family.
Non-credit continuing education programs, particularly short-term workforce development courses, are emerging as a vital solution for bridging the gap between education and economic mobility. These programs are transforming lives by offering a faster, more targeted route to gainful employment, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market.
Ultimately, focusing on programs that prioritize in-demand, practical and job-specific skills ensures that students graduate with the knowledge and credentials needed to secure employment quickly or continue on an academic pathway.
To this end, my highly talented and experienced team of faculty and staff manages multi-million-dollar budgets and has secured many grants to fund expansions in educational opportunities for the local community. More specifically, we have obtained training grants and are implementing micro-credentialing programs to address industry needs.
Our dedication to community impact is further demonstrated through the work with USCIS Citizenship Grants. With a career focused on eliminating educational barriers and promoting economic mobility, I look forward to continuing to create significant positive change for students and the wider community.
Since December 2018, serving as the Dean of Community Education has allowed me to oversee programs that serve thousands of students annually. In this role, I have overseen implementation initiatives such as stackable credential programs, workforce training and Integrated Education & Training (IET) to transition students into higher education and gainful employment.
For 2025, I plan to continue serving our community so that everyone looking for a new career, interested in reskilling or building a plan for self-improvement won’t have to go far or spend much to achieve success.