Alvarado: Here's how Region One ESC is developing stronger links between education and industry

EDINBURG, Texas - Region One Education Service Center’s director for partnerships and career pathways says the group is working on a plan to develop stronger links between education and industry.Dr. Eliza Alvarado said to make this happen the group has set up the Tri-Agency Regional Convener. In an in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Alvarado said the Tri-Agency Regional Convener is a collaborative initiative designed to create seamless systems that will prepare students for advancement and success in various careers.She said the group will work to identify needs and create industry-aligned pathways for the region and its communities. “As a board, we will work to fill gaps around the region and analyze our assets to maximize student and industry prosperity,” Alvarado said. “We are really excited to get the work started and, ultimately, create a strategic plan that we can implement.”The Tri-Agency Regional Convener was set up at the Region One ESC Conference Center on Sept. 8 with the help of education and workforce leaders. In her interview with the Guardian, Alvarado said the Tri-Agency, comprising THECB, TWC, and TEA, was established by Governor Greg Abbott to support economic growth across the state. She pointed out that in April 2023, Region One was designated the Tri-Agency Regional Convener to serve Lower Rio Workforce Development Area 23. This includes Starr, Hidalgo and Willacy counties. As the Regional Convener, Alvarado said, Region One ESC will oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of the regional strategy for high quality career and education pathways into targeted industries across the entire workforce development areas.Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Eliza Alvarado. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.