City of Pharr to Host $1M Check Presentation for New The PossAble Dream Adult High School

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will host a special check presentation ceremony to celebrate its $1 million donation to The PossAble Dream Foundation—a pivotal investment in launching The PossAble Dream Adult High School, a first-of-its-kind public high school for adults up to age 50 in South Texas.

The presentation will take place at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.

The tuition-free school will offer adults up to 50 years of age the opportunity to earn a traditional high school diploma along with industry-based certifications, employability training, and college coursework. To ensure student success, the program will also provide vital support services—including transportation, childcare, mental health counseling, job placement assistance, and pathways to higher education.

Set to open in Fall 2025, the school’s headquarters will be housed in the former Pharr Events Center in Pharr, positioning the city at the heart of a transformative regional education initiative. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) -authorized school will serve students ages 18 to 50 from Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata Counties at sites in Pharr, Brownsville and Laredo with satellite locations to open in response to enrollment demand.

The PossAble Dream Adult High School will prioritize students without a high school diploma or GED, and, if space allows, will also accept individuals who currently hold a GED but wish to return to school to earn a traditional diploma and obtain an industry-recognized credential. This inclusive and forward-thinking approach is designed to improve educational outcomes, expand workforce readiness, and uplift entire families.

Dr. Daniel P. King, Founder of The PossAble Dream Foundation, thanks Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the City Commission for their commitment to increase the educational attainment and workforce readiness levels of the citizens of Pharr and surrounding communities.

“Our vision for The PossAble Dream Adult High School is to empower adult learners to complete their education and help transform their lives and our communities,” Dr. King said. “In order to raise the standard of living in Deep South Texas, we must attract and grow business and industry through a better educated and skilled workforce.”

The PossAble Dream Foundation is confident other communities and philanthropic minded individuals, will see the value of this school and will partner and invest to increase our capacity to serve adults throughout the region.“Our investment is about more than dollars—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the future of our community,” said Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. “By supporting adult learners in completing their high school education, we are building a stronger, more skilled workforce that can transform lives across our region—and it all starts right here in Pharr.”

In its first year, the school aims to enroll 900 students and expand to serve up to 2,000 in its first five years. Educational partners such as South Texas College, Laredo College, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College will help deliver dual enrollment opportunities, continuing education, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

“We can change the story of Deep South Texas” said Dr. King. “With the support of the civic, business, and philanthropic communities, we can significantly elevate the educational attainment in our region, improve our economic story, and enhance the quality of life. This will uplift thousands of adults in this area and the impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Interested individuals wanting to receive information about The PossAble Dream Adult High School may submit an interest form by visiting its Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ThePossAbleDream.

WHAT:  Check Presentation for New PossAble Dream Adult High School
WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)

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About The PossAble Dream Foundation

The PossAble Dream Foundation is led by local citizens. Dr. Daniel King, long-time education leader and current Executive Director of Region One ESC serves as the Board President. Vice-President Aida Coronado is the Chief Operating Officer of DHR Health-Brownsville and a member of the Texas Workforce Investment Council. Julian Alvarez III, an executive with Lone Star National Bank and former Texas Workforce Commissioner, serves as Treasurer. The Board Secretary is Valley View ISD Special Education Teacher, Griselda Arismendez, and retired school administrator Juan Alvarez also serves on the Board.

About The PossAble Dream Adult High School

Recently authorized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the new school serving Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata Counties, will address the educational and training needs of the residents of Deep South Texas who lack a high school diploma. This new public high school for adults up to age 50 will expand to serve a number of South Texas communities to achieve regional impact.

In addition to receiving their high school diploma, adults who enroll will receive industry-based certifications, employability training, and the opportunity to take college coursework at no cost. The program will partner with businesses and other local entities to offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Upon completion of the program, job placement assistance will be provided, as well as transition support to continue with higher education studies.

Darcia Cuellar (former Principal of the PSJA ISD College, Career, and Technology Academy, the first public adult high school in Texas serving 18-26 year olds) who currently works at Region One ESC helping area districts establish similar programs, has been selected as the Superintendent of The PossAble Dream Adult High School.