Adult Education
The Region One ESC AE Program, serving as the premier AE provider in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) area of Texas, is committed to offering comprehensive support to adult learners. Our program is here to support adults like you in gaining valuable skills through engaging lessons in reading, writing, math, and English. Whether you're looking to enhance your job readiness, earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, or prepare for college or career training, our diverse program models cater to your unique needs and goals. Join us on your learning journey, where we empower adults to achieve success and reach new heights in their education and beyond.
"It is better to learn a little every day than nothing at all."
Angelica Santiago, 2023 Workforce Commission Scholar
Services
Career Pathways
Class Offerings
- English as a Second Language (ESL): This class targets non-native English speakers who want to enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The class also covers U.S. culture, history, and government. The class encompasses various proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, to accommodate individuals with diverse language skills.
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) (ESC1 lingo - GED PREP): This class is for adults who have not completed high school and want to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, math, and science. The class also prepares students for the high school equivalency test, such as the GED, a requirement for many jobs and college programs. The class offers various levels, spanning from pre-literacy to high school, to meet the requirements of a diverse group of learners.
- Civics (EL Civics): This class targets adults preparing for the U.S. citizenship exam. The class covers topics such as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the U.S. government and constitution, and U.S. history and geography. The class helps students practice their English language skills and prepare for the interview and test.
Fundamental Education
We offer various programs to help adults build important skills for work and career readiness.
- Functional English Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Improves essential skills needed for employment and career readiness.
- Adult Basic/Secondary Education (ABE/ASE): Offers basic and secondary education for adults.
- High School Equivalency Certificate (HSE) Preparation: Prepares adults to obtain their High School Equivalency Certificate.
- English Language Civics (EL Civics) for Citizenship Exam Preparation: Prepares for the Citizenship Exam covering U.S. culture, history, and government.
- Occupational Skills Training: Enhances occupational skills through specialized training in jobs that are needed are in demand.
- English Language Acquisition (ESL): Helps in acquiring English language skills.
- College and Career Readiness Skills: Prepares adults for college and enhances career readiness skills.
- Workplace Literacy Development: Focuses on developing literacy skills required in the workplace.
Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
The following are requirements/eligibility for all Region One Adult Education Programs:
- Proof of basic-skills deficiency or English language in the form of an approved assessment provided by AEL staff during Orientation/Registration process.
- Proof that a participant between the ages of 16–18 who has not attained a high school diploma or its equivalent meets an exemption defined in Texas Education Code (TEC) §25.086 (See Table 1 for more information.)
Required Documentation for AEL Participants Who Are Within Compulsory Attendance Age and Lack a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent Age Required Documentation
Age 16
- Court Order
Age 17
Evidence that student is not currently enrolled in any other Adult Education Program, and any of the following:
- Parent Permission on Enrollment Form
- Court Order
- Proof and/or evidence that 17-year old lives separate from parent/guardian
- Proof and/or evidence of homelessness
Age 18
Evidence that student is not currently enrolled in any other Adult Education Program, and any of the following:
- Parent Permission on Enrollment Form
- Proof and/or evidence that 18-year old lives separate from parent/guardian
- Proof and/or evidence of homelessness
About Us
About usRegional NeedsFigures & Statistics
About us
The Region One ESC Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program has a rich history of empowering individuals through education. From its inception, our program has been committed to providing quality adult education services, catering to a diverse range of learners in Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties.
The AEL initiative has made a profound impact on the lives of our learners. By offering a range of free services with a focus on literacy, language acquisition, and skill-building, we've empowered countless individuals to enhance their employability, pursue further education, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Responding to Regional Needs
At Region One ESC, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives and communities of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). Our mission is driven by the compelling data derived from reputable sources like the American Community Survey, the Workforce Business Intelligence database, and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). According to the TWC High Growth Report Final 11022, Texas is expected to generate 1.7 million new job opportunities between 2018 and 2028. Alarmingly, 40.7% of these positions will require postsecondary education and training, emphasizing the urgent need for educational qualifications in our ever-evolving job market. Notably, jobs in construction and manufacturing often demand specific technical skills rather than a traditional degree.
Our data analysis, conducted using TWC’s job matching database, WorkInTexas, reveals striking educational disparities in the LRGV. As of December 5, 2023, 10.70% of job openings require a minimum of a high school diploma, emphasizing the critical importance of this basic educational qualification in securing employment opportunities within the region. Furthermore, 16.97% of job openings mandate some form of post-secondary education, highlighting the demand for individuals with advanced educational backgrounds in the workforce.
Figures & Statistics
Figure 1. Educational Attainment of Population 25 years or older for Workforce Solutions Service Area
Source: WFS Demographic Overview 3 Texas Counties Lightcast Q4 2023 Data Set, November 2023
Figure 2. Educational Attainment of the Population 25 Years or Older 9th grade to 12th grade, No Diploma
Source: WFS Demographic Overview 3 Texas Counties Lightcast Q4 2023 Data Set, November 2023
We recognize that these statistics represent real individuals facing barriers to employment and economic stability. To address these challenges, we offer a range of adult education and literacy services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Join us in transforming lives and communities through education. Together, we can bridge the educational gap, equip individuals with the necessary skills, and empower our community to thrive in the ever-evolving workforce landscape.
Resources
WorkforceFinancial Aid Community
The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is to increase individuals’ access to, and opportunities for, the employment, education, training, and support services needed to succeed in the labor market. Job seekers are provided career and/or training services based on the results of career planning interviews and/or assessments.
Services may include, but are not limited to:
Job Readiness Workshops (e.g., resume writing tips, interview preparation, and job search strategies)
Education and Training Assistance
Create a WorkInTexas.com account to search and apply for Texas jobs that fit your needs.
Skill Improvement & Refresh
Improving Your Skills: Skills Enhancement is an online learning program from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), working together with Metrix Learning. Use it to refresh your skills and get ready for better job opportunities. Click here for access
Digital Skills: Having a good understanding of digital skills can create new chances and make you stand out. Our program provides workshops and training to teach job seekers how to use technology confidently for work, learning, and everyday tasks. You can also access free DigitalLearn courses. The website has self-paced courses, including basic computer skills and web searching, presented as videos with a speaker. Most videos are six to 22 minutes long. Click here for access
Financial Aid & Scholarships Resources
Federal Student Aid: a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Click here for access
Families play a critical role in the financial aid process. Access the Guidance for Families Financial Aid Requirements here to better understand how you can support your student this school year.
Texas OnCourse Financial Aid: TEA has partnered with Texas OnCourse to produce a hub of financial aid completion resources including toolkits for students, parents, educators, and community Click here for access
FASFA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. You can find guidance on what you need to do for financial aid requirements Click here for access
Texas OnCourse: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas OnCourse are working together to create a place with lots of help for finishing financial aid. They have toolkits for students, parents, teachers, and community partners. Click here for access.
Skills Enhancement is an online learning program from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), working together with Metrix Learning. Use it to refresh your skills and get ready for better job opportunities. Click Here for Access
Community Resources
Workforce Solutions administers Child Care Services (CCS) funding to help parents pay for child care while they work, go to school, or participate in job training. To learn more about program eligibility and process visit the Workforce Solutions webpage.
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, and grow in meaningful career paths. Access the following link to Find Disability Employment Services
Just4Veterans: Maximize your employment opportunities as you transition into civilian life. Search for jobs, receive priority service at Texas Workforce Solutions offices and get information on transition help and benefits.
Emergency Food Assistance Emergency The Food Bank RGV has an Emergency Food Pantry on-site for people in need of emergency food assistance, such as when there is no food in the home.
The County of Hidalgo Community Service Agency provides an array of emergency services for income eligible clients residing in Hidalgo County. Such services include utility assistance, referrals, and linkages with a network of social service organizations.
Second Chance Resources:
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The State of Texas through the Texas Workforce Commission offers fidelity bonding services to individuals that define as at-risk job applicants and are having difficulty finding a job due to their offender status.
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Texas Workforce Commission provides offers a federal tax credit to employers who hire individuals that are part of a specific population and are having difficulty finding employment. The link below provides more information on how the Work Opportunity Tax Credit can help you find employment.
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As an individual with a criminal offense, you might qualify for training opportunities offered through the Workforce Solutions Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.
Authority & Funding
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education provides funds to states for adult education and literacy. TWC then gives the money to local organizations, such as Region One ESC, through a competition. This program follows the rules of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.
News
![2023 Texas Workforce Scholar Angelica Santiago]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706113557/esc1net/ijxaowtf6auusyvnx55e/twcae.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706113557/esc1net/ijxaowtf6auusyvnx55e/twcae.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706113557/esc1net/ijxaowtf6auusyvnx55e/twcae.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1706113557/esc1net/ijxaowtf6auusyvnx55e/twcae.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706113557/esc1net/ijxaowtf6auusyvnx55e/twcae.png","width":1600}])
Adult Education Program Student nominated for the 2023 Texas Workforce Commission Scholar of the Year Award.
Read More
about Adult Education Program Student nominated for the 2023 Texas Workforce Commission Scholar of the Year Award.
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