87S11212 JGH-D

By: Martinez H.R. No. 60

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary year in 2021, and this milestone in its history truly merits special recognition; and

WHEREAS, This community-based nonprofit organization was established in 1995 by faith and business leaders in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to empower the region's underserved residents by providing them with the education and training they need to qualify for good, high-paying jobs; the initiative also addresses the need of area employers for a skilled workforce; and

WHEREAS, VIDA's career counselors and case managers address financial matters, family issues, and the time management concerns of each student, and they conduct group sessions on such topics as resume preparation, interviewing techniques, and study skills; guest speakers also instruct program participants on a variety of topics, including home buying, investing, and planning for retirement; and

WHEREAS, Working with educational institutions such as South Texas College and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, VIDA places its students in one-year certificate programs and two-year associate degree programs in such subjects as allied health, manufacturing, technology, business, and education and social services; in addition, students may train for careers as police officers, paralegals, web developers, dental hygienists, and vocational nurses, among many other fields; and

WHEREAS, A recent Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) evaluation shows that 98 percent of VIDA participants took part in some education and training, while 55 percent obtained a credential or a degree; compared to a control group without access to the program, VIDA participants enrolled in college at a greater rate, earned more college credits, and earned more degrees and certifications; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, VIDA has demonstrated remarkable success at training skilled workers for high-demand jobs, and in so doing, it has helped to develop the next generation of engaged and productive citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 25th anniversary year of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement and extend to all those associated with the program sincere best wishes for continued success in their important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for VIDA as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.