TITLE: Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).

FULL TEXT:
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, 2nd 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. Martinez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 56 was adopted by the House on August 30, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House