SAN ANGELO, Texas — San Angelo is now home to TexasWorks, a new educational program by Responsive Ed, where adults can earn not only a fully-fledged high-school diploma, but technical certifications as well. The program's superintendent says it’s all in the service of filling a need.
"In Texas, there is a need for skilled workers and there is… plenty of high-demand industries that are looking for those skilled workers," Elizabeth Camarena said.
Those industries include medical, welding, electrical and even drone operation. All of which Camarena says TexasWorks is preparing its students for. But according to the superintendent, completion of the TexasWorks program means crossing the stage and receiving a legitimate high school diploma, not just a certificate of completion. And to the students, it means more than that.
"They also want to demonstrate to their family that they went back and they did it. And that they finished something that perhaps they were unable to do so in the past. And they’re there saying, ‘I wanna be a role model for my student," Camarena said.
And according to Shelly Fuson, a current TexasWorks student, this is the whole reason she enrolled in the program.
"I tell my kids everyday, don’t give up, shoot for your goals. Me telling them that made me realize that’s what I need to do," she said.
She also says when she heard about the program, it provided a perfect opportunity to back her word. Fuson also has a student enrolled in Premier High School, another Responsive Ed school, right across the street, which she says creates a perfect storm for her family.
“I love it. It gives me the opportunity to come in, focus and I don’t feel rushed. I can do what I need to do and then go home and continue my personal life after school.”
Camarena also says the future economic impact of the program, workers from San Angelo staying in San Angelo, will help the community thrive.
But while Camarena’s message was the impacts of the program, Fuson had one last message for anyone thinking about going back to school.
“Don’t ever think you’re too old. You’re never too old to go get your high school diploma. You’re never too old to set yourself up for a career.”