La Joya, TX – In its commitment to empower graduates, La Joya ISD is proud to announce that all eight of its middle schools have been selected to receive the GEAR UP Future Forward Grant, a prestigious initiative designed to help students prepare for college and career success beginning in middle school.
With a focus on preparing students for long-term success, the Future Forward Grant combines academic enrichment with college exposure and leadership development. This means students will benefit from academic support, college & career readiness, family engagement, mentorship & advising and leadership & life skills.
“This grant represents an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Melinda Flores, Executive Director of College & Career Success for La Joya ISD. “With this initiative beginning in middle school, we can change mindsets early and help students see college as an opportunity within reach. GEAR UP allows us to empower our families and create a true college-going culture within our schools.”
With the support of Region One, La Joya ISD’s GEAR UP initiative reaffirms the district’s commitment to preparing every student for success after high school – a priority outlined in the district’s strategic plan. With a focus on empowering graduates at an early start, La Joya ISD is expanding access to career-connected learning supported by higher education, strong partnerships with families and local industry.
The schools awarded the grant include:
Ann W. Richards Middle School
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School
Domingo Treviño Middle School
Dr. Javier Saenz Middle School
Irene M. Garcia Middle School
Juan De Dios Salinas Middle School
Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School
Memorial Middle School
To commemorate this incredible honor for the district, La Joya ISD leadership will attend a grant kick-off celebration hosted by Region One on Monday, October 20, at the Region One ESC Conference Center.
From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, school leaders will participate in a special presentation and learn more about the next steps for the grant recipients.
“We are excited to see our middle schools become launchpads for lifelong learning,” said Flores. “This is just the beginning of an incredible journey for our students, families and communities.”