United Independent School District and Laredo College recently celebrated a proud moment in workforce education, recognizing the inaugural cohort of students who completed the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Program and earned their Professional Truck Driver Certification with a 100% passing rate.

Eleven students from United High School, United South High School, Lyndon B. Johnson High School, and J.B. Alexander High School were honored during a special ceremony surrounded by their families, instructors, and school leaders.

Launched this year through a partnership between United ISD and Laredo College, the CDL Program gives students the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification and gain workforce experience before graduating high school.

"Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating 11 students from the first cohort of our new CDL Program," said Claudia Gonzalez, United ISD Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). "With the support of Laredo College, Dr. Cruz, our Board of Trustees, and everyone involved, we were able to provide our students with this opportunity. Logistics is a major part of Laredo's economy, and the demand for commercial drivers remains very high." Gonzalez also recognized Board Secretary Michelle Molina for her support in helping bring the program to fruition.

This program is the newest addition to United ISD's more than 30 Career and Technical Education programs of study, which span all 14 state-approved career clusters and provide students with hands-on learning experiences, industry-recognized certifications, and practical skills that lead directly to high-demand careers.

"In CTE, we’re always looking for innovative, high-demand programs that give our students a competitive advantage, expand their post-secondary opportunities, and prepare them to succeed in today’s workforce,” Gonzalez said. “Whether it's architecture, HVAC, diesel technology, automotive, health science, graphic design, audiovisual production, or video game design, United ISD offers students a wide array of opportunities and certifications that allow them to enter the workforce prepared and confident."

For United South High School graduate Julio Cesar Martinez Jr., earning his CDL certification was a way to honor his father. For as long as he can remember, the two had talked about one day obtaining a CDL.

"My dad passed away earlier this year, and all my life we've always talked about the CDL," Martinez shared. "I wanted to do it for him. Now that I did it, I feel like I completed something that I've been waiting for my whole life. It may not be with him, but it was for him."

Julio Cesar Martinez Jr. on USHS graduation day with his dad looking from up above.

"Once I turn 21, I want to become a truck driver, save my money, buy my own truck, and start my own company with my dad," he said.

While students walked away with a professional certification, many also carried with them something far more personal.

“Each of these students has worked hard to get to this moment, and their journeys look different,” UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz shared. “Some are honoring family members, others are following traditions that began long before they entered this program, but all of them have shown resilience and determination. We are excited to see where their paths lead.”

To learn more about our UISD Career and Technical Education Programs.

 

LBJ’s Derek Palencia receiving his CDL program completion certificate.

The UISD CDL Program graduates pictured with their LC instructors.