H.R. No. 56
R E S O L U T I O N
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