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.