UA Program Helps Graduate Non-Traditional Students

The UA program, Educamexus, facilitates access to educational degrees and certificates from elementary school through post-secondary education for Spanish speakers.

Students and their families gathered at the University of Arizona to celebrate the completion of nontraditional degrees.

The UA program, Educamexus, facilitates access to educational degrees and certificates in Spanish from elementary school through post-secondary education.  

Educamexus is a part of the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration, known as CONAHEC, headquartered at the UA. CONAHEC is a network of more than 150 colleges and universities in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Educamexus programs and services are possible through partnerships with CONAHEC and its member institutions, the Mexican Association of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education and the support of the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education. 

Ramon Lizarraga, one of the many students who beamed and congratulated friends as they arrived for the ceremony, said he, like most others in the Educamexus program, is a non-traditional student who works and has a family.

He was celebrating the completion of his Mexican high school certificate as well as obtaining a GED by completing the General Education Development Test, administered by the American Council on Education.  

"I decided to do this for my own personal satisfaction, but also to do it as an example for my family," he said.

Lizarraga was able to pass the Mexican high school certification in a month but he said the GED took months longer.

"You have to force yourself to study and to recall the information. I hadn't picked up a book and studied in over 10 years," he added.

Lizarraga said he will continue to study and is currently taking online university courses.

Francisco Marmolejo, executive director of CONAHEC and assistant vice president for Western Hemispheric Programs at the UA said, "The most satisfaction we can get is that there are people who benefit from these programs. But what we really need is you to carry the message that you can continue with your education and that the dream of better life and education is a possible dream."

Mike Proctor, the UA's vice provost for outreach and global initiatives congratulated and thanked the students for taking in important steps for their future success.  

"The hard work to complete and the ongoing discipline to pursue education are commendable. Now you have a license to learn more. Educamexus, CONAHEC and the UA are here as allies to help you continue that path," said Proctor.

He also told the group that UA is taking steps to be much more flexible in class offerings with community college partners.

"We are dedicated to making education accessible. You have taken the first steps and we are dedicated to help you take whatever next steps you want to take," Proctor added and encouraged the students to strive for a UA degree.

Of 118 graduates, 73 graduated with certificates in basic computer skills, nine students completed their elementary level certification, 19 students obtained middle school certification and 17 graduated from high school.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Spanish speakers to complete their high school education and continue with further studies or improve their employment qualifications," said Gilberto Olivas, director of the Educamexus program.

The Educamexus program initially was only offered in Arizona, but now some of its services are being offered in seven metropolitan areas in the U.S. 

Olivas' staff offers information in Spanish to those adults interested in obtaining K-12 or post-secondary education. 

In addition, the staff provides information on classes for GED test preparation, centers for English as a second language and provides computer skills and general literacy programs.

Educamexus offers a basic computer skills course, at a minimal cost at its educational center in Tucson. Computer literacy skills are pivotal in that many of Educamexus' services are Web-based.

"We facilitate the continuing education of these students and encourage them to continue on to obtain higher levels of education," Olivas said.

Educamexus partners with a variety of its member institutions, government agencies and funding organizations, such as the Lumina Foundation, in order to offer more than 200 online training and skills development courses. The course offerings include literacy, elementary and middle school programs and are available to adults at no cost, including books.  

Educamexus also hosts a Community Learning Center in partnership with the Monterrey Technological Institute of Higher Education (Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey). Together they offer more than 150 online courses including skills to develop entrepreneurship as well as online bachelor's and master's degrees.

"I was very excited about the opportunity. The hours are accessible – so many of us have jobs and kids and accessible hours are important. It's never too late to get ahead," said Innes Ibarra, another graduate of the program who said she will continue on taking as many online courses as she can now that she has her middle school and basic computer certificate in hand.