Texas Border Business

The Laredo College Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Department has accomplished major achievements to help thousands of Laredoans grow academically. Monica Mondragon, Mathematics Teacher, MATHCOUNTS Coach and UIL Coach at Clark Middle School, is a testament that the Ael Department continues impacting lives through its various programs.

The AEL Department serves approximately 1,200 students in Webb, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties every year with English as Second Language, Civics/Citizenship, High School Equivalency (GED), Digital Literacy and Workforce Skills courses.

“Its mission will continue to assist adults in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, assist parents in becoming full-time partners in their children’s education and assist adults in completing their education,” Community Education Dean Sandra Cortez said. 

In 2007, Mondragon was first introduced to the High School Equivalency Program, commonly known as the GED, where she completed it in only one month. Since she was born and raised in Mexico City, she decided to also learn English simultaneously. By 2008, she began her associate’s degree at LC. 

While at LC, she was part of the STEM Program, was a college model, a tutor at the learning center and a work-study in the Community Education Division. Mondragon mentions the continuous support she received from the AEL Department. Employees and teachers were always encouraging her to continue her education, specially Dean Cortez. She states it was a great life experience”. 

Once Mondragon completed her associate’s degree at LC, she transferred to Texas A&M International University to complete her bachelor’s degree. In 2012, she graduated from the Education Program with a concentration in Mathematics. She continued her academic journey and earned a master’s degree in Mathematics Education at UT Arlington. Today, she is a certified middle school and high school teacher at United Independent School District. 

Our institution is proud of students who succeed thanks to their continuous efforts to excel academically. For the past 75 years, the college has provided the necessary tools for their academic enrichment and growth. It is an honor for Laredo College to prepare our students to positively impact our community and the economic growth of the South Texas region. 

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