Hidalgo Independent School District embarked on a meaningful partnership to support and guide at risk students, district wide.
This collaboration introduced the R.E.A.L (Rewarding Education, Attitude, and Leadership) Mission Program. The R.E.A.L Mission is an outreach program that provides a six-week mentorship for students between the ages of thirteen through eighteen who are at risk of delinquency or expulsion from school, along with numerous other challenges that youth encounter daily.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection McAllen Border Patrol Station held a ceremony at Region One Education Service Center in Edinburg to present and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Hidalgo ISD’s Superintendent of Schools, Xavier Salinas, along with all relevant parties.
The program is a collaboration among Hidalgo ISD (HISD), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol (USBP), McAllen Station, Hidalgo County Juvenile Justice Department (HCJJD), 449th District Court (449th), Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office (HCDA), and Region One Education Service Center (Region One ESC).
Additionally, Hidalgo ISD is the first school district in Hidalgo County to incorporate the R.E.A.L Mission program.
“Hidalgo ISD is the place to be!” exclaimed Salinas before signing the MOU. “What I love about this room, is that it’s a room full of caring hearts, a room full of individuals who are willing to give second, third, fourth, fifth, as many chances/opportunities as we can to our kids. We will work diligently to provide our students with a supportive environment by providing them the best mentors that will help guide and educate them onto the right path of life.”
A pivotal goal for this program is to provide a mentorship program that emphasizes the importance of education, guidance, leadership skills, community service, and support. The students will also receive mental health education and social-emotional learning from counselors.
Hidalgo ISD’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Amando Gonzalez along with district secondary counselors will work hand in hand to coordinate with U.S. Border Patrol to roll out the program and identify at risk youth who will benefit from the program’s mentorship.
“This program is designed to support students who are experiencing difficulties in establishing direction in their lives and achieving their educational goals,” explained Gonzalez, LPC Supervisor and Director of Counseling. “This mentorship aims to provide guidance and clarity for those who are seeking purpose and direction.”
In addition, this initiative aims to create a supportive environment that fosters both personal and academic growth, ultimately helping students overcome challenges and succeed in their educational journey.
The R.E.A.L Mission Program was extended to Hidalgo ISD to provide a solid mentorship that will offer students positive role models and guidance, which in return might help direct the students away from the challenges they confront.
Furthermore, mentorship will also be offered to students, so they have a better understanding of career opportunities and the importance of education. By engaging with Border Patrol agents, students gain insights into different career paths, develop crucial life skills, and receive personalized attention that can help steer them back on a productive and positive course.
“We invest in these students because we want them to develop to be successful here, in our Rio Grande Valley community,” stated Agent Gloria Chavez, Border Patrol Chief. “There is a huge opportunity for all of us, as successful leaders in our communities, and that is to give back to our youth, and for that I’m grateful to partner with all of you and I seek success because here, at Hidalgo County, we are going to be successful together.”