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.
Column by: Cindy Elizalde, LC Pathways to Success Center Director
Laredo is a growing border city with a diverse population and a strong economy driven by industries such as transportation, logistics, healthcare, education and trade. However, many adults face barriers to employment and career advancement because they have not completed a high school credential, need to improve their English language skills or require additional workforce training to meet current employer demands.
It has been proven countless times that education has the power to change the direction of a person’s life. The Laredo College Pathways to Success Center works each day with people taking the next step toward a future where they can overcome barriers, attain better jobs and develop their skills to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
Those who decide to enroll for the first time or return to education can earn their high school equivalency credential, learn English or find a more secure career. The Pathways to Success Center helps adult learners take those important steps toward building their chosen future, which in turn helps stimulate the local workforce and economy.
The goal is to help students overcome barriers in their path by providing accessible education and workforce training opportunities. The opportunity to strengthen essential skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, English-language proficiency and problem-solving is invaluable and can transform one’s life in a multitude of ways.
Through our Pathways to Success Center, students can enroll in free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, General Educational Development (GED) preparation and ESL for Professionals.
A GED credential remains highly valuable in today’s workforce. Many employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some adults come to the center because their current employer has established new educational requirements.
Laredo College’s GED instruction covers the four core examination subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Morning classes and evening classes, offered in-person or virtual, provide flexibility for adults balancing employment and family responsibilities. Free instructional materials are provided, and eligible participants may also receive GED test vouchers.
Earning a GED is an incredible accomplishment, but we want our students to understand that graduation is not the end of their educational journey but the beginning of new opportunities. New doors to postsecondary education, workforce training and employment opportunities may open for graduates, and the Pathways to Success Center provides a support system as they explore those opportunities.
GED graduates are encouraged to explore the pathways available to them based on their interests and career goals. Students may choose to enroll in a workforce training program to obtain an industry-recognized credential in areas such as CDL, Patient Care Technician, Bookkeeping, Payroll or Medical Administration.
With funding support from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Pathways to Success Center can help eligible students cover the cost of workforce training, reducing the financial barriers that often prevent adults from pursuing a new career.
Others may decide to pursue a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree at Laredo College. Regardless of their goals, the Pathways to Success Center encourages graduates to continue developing essential workplace skills, including communication, digital literacy, problem-solving and professionalism, as these skills are valuable regardless of the career path they choose.
The center plays an essential role in addressing the educational and workforce needs of our community. The most important thing students need to begin is the willingness to take that first step. They do not have to navigate the process alone as the center is available to guide them from enrollment through their educational journey and help them identify their next opportunity.
The first step is simply reaching out to the Pathways to Success Center at either campus. Prospective students can contact them at the Ft. McIntosh Campus at (956) 721-5436 and at the South Campus at (956) 794-4436.