KSAT enrollment underway through June 1

The 2023 Katy Summer Academic Term (KSAT) credit/course recovery application remains open through June 1. KSAT will offer various programs for all eligible Katy ISD students grades Pre- K-12. For more information, visit the website katyisd.org/Page/10037.

Mayde Creek teacher wins Outstanding Teaching of Humanities Award

Mayde Creek High School teacher Taylor Kratz has received the 2023 Outstanding Teaching of Humanities Award by Humanities Texas. The award recognizes exemplary K–12 humanities teachers.

As a result of her win, the high school will receive $1,000 to purchase humanities instructional materials or to improve humanities courses and programs.

Royal High students participate in state UIL academics competition

Royal senior state qualifier and senior Leonardo Robles-Lara, junior state qualifier Alexcia Garcia (also an alternate in a second event), sophomore state qualifier Eleanor Recinos, and senior state alternate in two events Vladimir Moreno headed to State UIL Academics competition on May 17.

Robles-Lara competed in mathematics and placed in the top half of over 30 students representing the best of the best in the 4A for the State of Texas.

In news writing, Garcia placed sixth in the entire state for the 4A conference. In addition, Recinos placed fifth in editorial writing.

For both young ladies, placing is just the icing on the cake. As a junior and a sophomore respectively, they are excited for next season and the opportunity to represent Royal High School again next year.

All three participants are now eligible for TILF Scholarships from UIL. Robles-Lara will able to apply this year and then Garcia and Recinos will be able to apply during their senior years.

The state team includes:

• Mathematics: qualifier Leonardo Robles-Lara
• Calculator applications: first alternate Vladimir Moreno
• News Writing: qualifier Alexcia Garcia, sixth place.
• Editorial Writing: qualifier Eleanor Recinos, fifth place; first alternate Alexcia Garcia.
• Literary Criticism: first alternate Vladimir Moreno.

Junior McKay, Enos Inniss and Lisa Inniss coach the team.

HCC, Dwyer to sign agreement to train 500 certified nurse aides annually

Houston Community College (HCC) and Dwyer Workforce Development will formalize a Memorandum of Understanding to train and support up to 500 new health care professionals a year.

The event takes place at 10:30 a.m. May 25 in HCC Coleman College Tower, 1919 Pressler St. in the Texas Medical Center.

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado and Dwyer CEO Barb Clapp will sign an agreement to launch the HCC/Dwyer Registered Apprenticeship Program. Under the program, Dwyer will support up to 500 apprentices annually for two years to allow them to earn Certified Nurse Aide certificates from HCC.

The partnership will offer high-potential residents from Houston and the surrounding area the opportunity to become Dwyer Scholars. Dwyer Scholars earn their CNA credentials at no cost so they can become members of the high-demand health care workforce.

“We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with Dwyer,” Maldonado said. “Our mission at HCC is to prepare and graduate highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce professionals and empower them through education. Partnering with Dwyer for the CNA apprenticeship program naturally aligns with our mission to serve our communities and improve lives—one student at a time.”

Dwyer Workforce is a Maryland-based nonprofit with a record of supporting hundreds of students as they successfully earn their CNA credentials and launch their careers in health care. The HCC/Dwyer Registered Apprenticeship Program is Dwyer’s first partnership in Texas.

“Great things happen when you give people the tools to change their lives, and that’s what we plan to accomplish,” Clapp said. “Circumstances should not define lives, and we are proud to partner with HCC to change the circumstances for hundreds of Houston-area apprentices.”

According to Christina Robinson, executive director of HCC Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships, the initiative will help meet the growing demand for health care professionals and forge career pathways for participants.

“In addition to creating a strong talent pipeline for the health care industry, the partnership may motivate some CNAs to continue their education later to become licensed vocational nurses,” Robinson said. “It’s a smart collaboration that benefits everyone.”

For more information, visit the website hccs.edu/ApprenticeshipHub.