AEP Texas Foundation Donates $5,000 to Teach For America Rio Grande Valley

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RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas - The AEP Texas Foundation has donated $5,000 to support the work of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, a program that recruits and trains educators to serve in local classrooms.

The contribution was presented Feb. 4 by AEP Texas External Affairs Manager Daniel Lucio. The funding will support Teach For America’s efforts to expand educational opportunities across the region by preparing and mentoring teachers working in Valley schools.

This school year, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley expects to place more than 65 educators in classrooms while working alongside a network of more than 240 program alumni.

Ana D. Gonzalez, executive director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, said the funding will help sustain the organization’s teacher preparation programs and leadership development efforts.

“We’re very grateful to AEP for their support over the years because their contributions position Teach For America RGV to support our incoming core, specifically over the summer when they come in to do pre-service training for about six weeks,” Gonzalez said. “That support continues once they enter the classroom as teachers of record in August and throughout their two-year teacher leadership development commitment to students across the RGV.”

Gonzalez said partnerships with community organizations and businesses are essential to expanding access to quality education in the region.

“This investment is vital to our work to expand access to high-quality education across the Rio Grande Valley, especially for students who face the most significant obstacles,” Gonzalez said. “Education is a powerful driver of economic opportunity, and support from partners like the American Electric Power Foundation allows us to cultivate and sustain strong leaders in our classrooms and communities.”

“This investment reflects our commitment to ensure every child in the Valley has access to a high-quality education,” said Cleiri Quezada, corporate communications manager for AEP Texas.

Teach For America recruits college graduates and professionals to teach in high-need schools while providing training and ongoing support. Many participants remain in education or community leadership roles after completing the program.