La Joya, TX – In its ongoing commitment to ensuring students are college and career ready, La Joya ISD is proud to have been recognized by the Region One Education Service Center as a recipient of the GEAR UP Future Forward Grant.
During a special ceremony held on Monday, October 20, Region One recognized over 20 partner school systems and more than 11,000 middle schoolers all benefiting from the grant. Among the schools recognized with this prestigious initiative are all eight of La Joya ISD’s middle schools:
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
Designed to help students prepare for college and career success, the Future Forward Grant combines academic enrichment with college exposure and leadership development, meaning 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 taking place in our middle schools, 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.
“We are excited to see our middle schools become launchpads for lifelong learning,” added Flores. “This is just the beginning of an incredible journey for our students, families and communities.”