Six individuals, who honed their skills through the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, were honored as Scholars of the Year during the 26th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston.
Among the 2023 TWC Adult Education and Literacy Scholars of the Year is Zahra Alrekabi Rashid of Irving who went through the Irving ISD Education Program and was nominated by Dallas County AEL.
The accolades were bestowed upon the scholars in recognition of their academic accomplishments and underscore the TWC's steadfast commitment to enhancing the skills of Texans. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel emphasized the vital role of adult learners in bolstering the state's workforce, stating, "The Texas workforce grows stronger when adult learners strengthen their literacy, math, and digital skills."
The distinguished scholars were first acknowledged during the AEL Fall Institute, an annual event that imparts high-impact teaching methods and supports best practices for TWC-funded providers. Programs funded by TWC's AEL offer instruction in basic math and literacy, English for second language learners, digital literacy, and integrated education and training. These programs equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce, attain a high school equivalency, or pursue college and career training.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III commended the Scholars of the Year, stating, "Congratulations to the 2023 AEL Scholars of the Year on achieving this honor and for removing barriers for Texans so they can learn the skills needed to enter the workforce."
The AEL Fall Institute's "Pathways Through Change" event, featuring four session tracks, drew in over 400 attendees, showcasing leadership and instructional strategies, a focus on a digital world, and alignment with boards and partners. The success of this year's event sets the stage for the next AEL Institute scheduled for September 17-21, 2024.
"TWC's AEL serves more than 60,000 adult learners each year—changing their lives while benefitting their families and the economy," highlighted the significance of the AEL program, as stated by TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. He added, "These Scholars of the Year embody the ideal qualities Texas employers look for in a workforce."
Besides Rashid, the other five individuals awarded were Rosa Erika Canales, Melanie Lisseth Intriago Manjoud, Ruben Fernando Sosa Frausto, Ryan Osborn and Maricruz Lopez.
