From Diploma to Employment: RSTEF Supports The PossAble Dream to Advance Academic and Workforce Development for Adults in South Texas

Talent development to meet the needs of industry in South Texas is gaining new momentum through the support of the Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF), which awarded $88,656 to The PossAble Dream Foundation to strengthen academic and workforce preparation for adults in the region.

The funding is part of the “Diplomas & Careers: A Second Chance for South Texas Adults” program and will support outreach, tuition assistance, credential training, wraparound services, and stipends. The goal is to provide 30 adults between the ages of 18 and 50 with the opportunity to earn a diploma recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), along with an industry-based credential in a high-demand occupation.

Education Connected to Workforce Needs

During its first year of operation, The PossAble Dream Adult High School enrolled 550 students and graduated 216 adults, according to Darcia Cuellar, Superintendent of The PossAble Dream Adult High School.

The model goes beyond earning a high school diploma. Students can continue their education through industry-based certifications, pursue college opportunities, and gain access to internships that provide hands-on experience before formally entering the workforce.

“One of the things we do is prepare students for industry-based certifications,” Cuellar explained. The institution also maintains contact with its graduates to support them with job searches, résumé development, or continuing their education.

The program also provides services aimed at reducing barriers that can prevent adults from completing their education, including transportation challenges, childcare needs, and financial difficulties.

Certifications and Work Experience

For The PossAble Dream, one of the challenges is ensuring that students not only earn a credential but can also demonstrate practical experience to prospective employers.

That is why internships are an important part of the training strategy. The institution works with local employers that can consider hiring graduates after they have developed specific knowledge and skills.

The approach aligns with RSTEF’s regional strategy of connecting postsecondary education and workforce training with labor needs generated by high-demand industries.

A Regional Talent Strategy

The support for The PossAble Dream is part of a broader RSTEF investment in human capital development. This year, the organization is awarding more than $2.2 million to six organizations across the Rio South Texas Region, with the potential to reach $4.4 million when matching funds are included.

The supported programs are connected to sectors such as construction, physical therapy, dental services, HVAC, electrical trades, and STEM, with the goal of developing a workforce prepared to meet the needs of companies and new investment projects across the Rio South Texas Region.

“These funds that were given to The PossAble Dream Adult High School are being used very well for those students who did not finish high school and now want to earn their high school diploma so they can work and continue advancing through the education system,” said Adam Gonzalez, CEO of RSTEF.

Since 2019, RSTEF has awarded $14.2 million to 41 education and workforce development programs across the region. According to Gonzalez, these resources have leveraged approximately $28 million in additional funding through matching contributions.

For Gonzalez, the challenge is to build a region capable of responding with local talent to the arrival of new investments while strengthening economic integration between Rio South Texas and northern Tamaulipas.

Through this model, RSTEF and The PossAble Dream seek to make education a direct pathway to industry-based credentials, work experience, and employment opportunities demanded by the regional economy.