Eliza Cantu, a student at The PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr, was selected as a recipient of the Heart Mind Money Scholarship, a program designed to support eligible women in Hidalgo County with personal development, leadership coaching and financial literacy.
Through the scholarship, Cantu will participate in bi-weekly virtual coaching sessions, weekly online classes offered in English and Spanish, guided journaling and reflection activities and six in-person events throughout the year that help participants stay connected to a supportive network of women working toward long-term stability.
“This opportunity allows our students to grow personally and professionally and helps make them aware that support and opportunities are within reach," said Jovanna Hernandez, Head Counselor at The PossAble Dream Adult HS. "At our school, we help students access programs like this that can open new doors."
To launch the experience, Cantu joined fellow recipients for a makeover session with downtown McAllen boutique, Millys. Participants received a complimentary outfit, blowout and makeup session as a way to begin the program feeling encouraged and connected.
Cantu said she applied with support from her Student Success Coach, who helped her navigate the application and stay on track with the process. Success Coaches at The PossAble Dream Adult HS work closely with students to access wraparound services and stay focused on their academic and career goals.
“This experience was a dream,” Cantu said. “I felt very pretty and special. The motivational and educational sessions are very important to us as women as most of us are moms and learning about things like financial literacy.”
Student Success Coach Melissa Torres said the scholarship aligns with the type of support The PossAble Dream Adult HS aims to provide adult learners.
"Eliza is was the perfect candidate for this opportunity," Torres said. "She is a student who has overcome many barriers and this is another stepping stone to help reach graduate and grow personally."
The PossAble Dream Adult HS is headquartered in Pharr with additional sites in Brownsville and Edcouch. The school serves adults up to age 50 who are ready to return to school, complete their diploma, and earn an industry-based certification that leads to new career opportunities.
Adults interested in starting their own path toward a diploma and certification take the first step at www.thepossabledream.net/interest.