Aldine ISD has launched a bold initiative in partnership with University of Houston Downtown (UHD) to bolster bilingual literacy, helping kids like ten-year-old Miguel Huerta discover a newfound joy in reading. Huerta is among dozens of Aldine ISD students contributing to the expansion of UHD's bilingual e-library, thanks to a hefty $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This marks a significant push towards embracing dual-language skills, designed to benefit the predominantly Hispanic community in Houston, according to Houston Chronicle.
Since its introduction around 2010, the e-library has made its collection of Spanish and English books accessible cost-free. Huerta, who already teaches math to peers on his own YouTube channel, has taken a step further, entering the literary world alongside his mother, Maria Alvarez. Together they penned "The Blue Dream," or "El Sueño Azul," a reflection of a personal family milestone, set to be part of the e-library's catalog, which boasts roughly 350 books. "Literacy is so important. It’s important in everything and it’s really what’s going to connect him to his goals," Alvarez told Houston Chronicle through a translator.
The partnership aims at enhancing literacy and technology skills crucial for the workforce in Houston. Marisol Vazquez, the community engagement manager at UHD, underscored the importance of Spanish literacy and the command over English and tech skills for job acquisition. Not only students but parents like Emerita Munguia, who has seen her English improve during her involvement in the program, are benefitting from the initiative. She expressed hopes of career advancement through her newfound knowledge, as reported by Houston Chronicle.
The kickoff event held on November 10 spotlighted the collaborative efforts between Aldine ISD and UHD. Aldine ISD’s Superintendent, Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, was in attendance, advocating for the critical role of literacy: "Through the power of collaboration and education, we believe that literacy is the key that unlocks limitless possibilities." With initial participation from Black and Bussey elementary schools, the program is set to extend to additional campuses in the spring, as noted by Aldine ISD’s official website.
Looking to scale even further, officials have their sights set on a YouTube channel that will extend the program's reach nationally and globally. Building up from the roots in local school events and Youtube channels, the partnership between Aldine ISD and UHD is proving to be a scalable blueprint for community literacy and technological proficiency across diverse demographics.
