The McAllen ISD STRIDES Program won the inaugural Texas Restaurant Association’s Innovation in Education Award this summer. It was the only school program honored at this statewide awards ceremony.
The award was announced in Houston at the Texas Restaurant Association Awards event in July.
The Innovation in Education Award recognizes individuals, groups or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of culinary and hospitality education, according to TRA. It celebrates those who have dedicated themselves to improving the education experience for both students and teachers and demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries to support the preparation of the workforce.
“We are humbled by the opportunity to recognize these individuals and companies who have gone above and beyond to support the hospitality industry in our great state,” Dr. Emily Williams Knight, President and CEO of the TRA and Texas Restaurant Foundation, said. “Their hard work and dedication is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing even more success from these honorees in the years to come. The nominees and winners are a shining example of excellence in the Texas hospitality industry.”
The McAllen ISD STRIDES (Supported Transition and Road to Independence: Development and Employment for Students) Program is a special education initiative for students who are 18-22 years old. Students in the program can earn professional certifications including cake decorating. The program is based at Achieve Early College High School.
In March, the district opened its new Culinary Arts Teaching Facility which brings together STRIDES students with culinary students in the Career Technical Education Program. The resulting restaurant will be called CAFÉ (Culinary Arts for Everyone).
About Texas Restaurant Association
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state’s $87 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 53,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.3 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 86th anniversary year. For more information, please visit www.txrestaurant.org.
About McAllen ISD STRIDES Program
McAllen ISD STRIDES Program students receive guidance and instruction toward independent living, can earn a professional certification and take courses that provide them with employment skills. Begun in 2019, the program has partnered with South Texas College and Texas Workforce Solutions. To learn more, call 956-632-3285.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: At top, is a close up of the Innovation in Education award from the Texas Restaurant Association. Above, at the awards event in July, are, from left to right, McAllen ISD Special Education Executive Director Maribelle Elizondo, Achieve Early College High Principal Miguel Carmona and Career Technical Education Coordinator Diana Pena.