Jackie Silva congratulates her classmates who completed career training through Temple College th... Jackie Silva congratulates her classmates who completed career training through Temple College this year.Jackie Silva had a simple message for her fellow students who recently completed certification programs offered by Temple College’s Business and Continuing Division: “We do make a difference.”

“Our accomplishments in this program have not only affected people around us but people all over the world,” Silva said.

As an example, she pointed to truck drivers who have been delivering food and essential supplies to people during the pandemic. Or EKG technicians and phlebotomists who have drawn blood and given tests to detect disease and potentially save lives. Or clinical medical assistants who have given elderly persons COVID-19 vaccines so they can see their children or grandchildren for the first time in months.

Closer to home, Silva said seeing older students such as herself studying may have inspired their spouse to do the same. Or a conversation at work may have given someone else hope to pursue their dreams.

“Everything we do has an effect bigger than us,” she said. “We have made a big difference.”

Silva was the featured speaker at a June 22 ceremony held to recognize students who had earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) through Temple College this year, as well as those who had completed career training programs offered by the Business and Continuing Education Division.

Silva was one of 13 adults who received career training this year through a program that is run jointly by the Business and Continuing Education Division in partnership with the Adult Education and Literacy program. Through the AEL program, adult learners can apply for scholarships that cover the cost of programs offered by the Business and Continuing Education Division. Silva completed the Phlebotomy program and credits the scholarship with making her education possible.

Silva noted that she and the others who recently completed training programs faced an additional hurdle trying to complete their programs during the pandemic.

“It took courage to make this day happen,” she said. “Do not fool yourself into thinking that this is anything less than significant.”

The Adult Education and Literacy program is now accepting applications for scholarships that will cover the cost of career training programs that begin this fall. Programs that will be available in the fall include Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Aide, EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician.

For more information on the career training scholarships, call 254-298-8578 or write javier.ruiz@templejc.edu.