Five Adult Education and Literacy Students are First to Complete new Leadership Development Program at Blinn College

The Blinn College District recently recognized the first class to participate in the new “Stepping into Leadership” program with certificates of completion.

Rasha Abdelrazek (College Station), Teodora Dimitrova (College Station), Tayyebeh Eslami (Bryan), Cecilia Joys (College Station), and Jario Moret (College Station) completed the eight-week mentorship program offered to students enrolled in Blinn’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) courses.

“These students have acquired unique skills that will help set them up for professional success,” AEL Program Director Mary Pace said. “We are excited to pilot this program in Texas and hope it serves as a model for other organizations focused on workforce training.”

Blinn is the first college in the state to offer the “Stepping into Leadership” program, which was adopted from an AEL program in Arizona. The focus of the initiative is for students to cultivate personal development and leadership skills. During the eight-week program, students learn the importance of critical thinking, communication, team building, financial literacy, and community engagement.

Working closely with mentors, students are encouraged to set professional goals and develop a plan to achieve their objectives. They complete the program with added self-confidence and the skills necessary to advocate for themselves and others.

“This program represents Blinn’s commitment to providing the community with unmatched skills training and professional development initiatives,” said Karla Flanagan, Dean of Technical and Community Education. “Through this mentorship opportunity, our AEL students are encouraged to explore career options and learn more about the benefits of a postsecondary education.”

Blinn’s AEL Program provides students access to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and courses to prepare for the General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency (HiSET) tests. Other offerings include training to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Intensive College Readiness courses in reading, math, and writing skills.

In addition to these courses, the AEL Program offers services like the “Stepping into Leadership” program and integrated education and training to help students enter the workforce and improve their long-term earning potential.

For more information about the “Stepping into Leadership” program and other opportunities available through Blinn’s AEL Program, visit www.blinn.edu/adult-education or call 979-209-7300.