A Canadian delegation of representatives and activists from indigenous groups and organizations visited Socorro High School in June to learn more about Socorro Independent School District’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) programs.
The group, which included delegates from the Assembly of First Nations, the Manitoba Department of Education, and others, was part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
Their objective was to gain a one-on-one perspective on these programs from students who have successfully completed them and to learn how to better address cultural, geographical, and educational obstacles to higher education among Indigenous and underserved populations.
“This Canadian delegation (is) looking at education and college preparedness of indigenous people,” said George Thomas, Socorro ISD CTE director. “Their ultimate goal is to share what they are doing and to learn about what others are doing to prepare individuals with needs.”
The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.
This is the second time SISD has hosted an IVLP delegation. In 2020, the district hosted a delegation from Africa at Eastlake High School.
As part of their visit, the Canadian delegation met with CTE alumni Andrea Salas, who earned her educational aide certification from the Academy of Careers in Education (ACE), and Omar De La Torre, one of the first barbering program students to earn his barber’s license. The recent Socorro High School graduates talked about their experiences in their respective programs.
Salas said she was originally in the Health Professions Academy, but she switched to ACE because she wanted to make a difference in children’s lives as a future teacher. She praised CTE for allowing her to explore different career options.
“I wanted them to know that this is one of the districts that actually provides students with choices,” Salas said. “Students have the opportunity to change their mind. The (CTE staff) support you through everything. They make sure that you excel and that you’re successful in your life.”
The group also toured Socorro High School’s CTE facilities, including the automotive and diesel labs, engineering area, video technology and tv studio, and more.
Ashley Moore, a member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, who serves as program coordinator for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Community Indigenous Service Company, was impressed with the school’s Emergency and Fire Services Academy and automotive lab. She also appreciated Salas and De la Torre taking the time to share their perspectives with the group. “I think it’s inspiring, especially for me to take back home,” Moore said. “I’m from a small community, so going through high school, I graduated without any opportunity. And I went through all those different challenges, furthering my education, getting work experience, and finishing at a later age with school debt and extended time. So, to see young people succeeding and moving forward is really inspiring, and I’ll take it home with me for sure.”