Aldine ISD Receives 2 Awards From MASBA for Workforce and Civics Initiatives

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Once again, Aldine ISD has been acknowledged for its innovative programs that equip students for success in college, career, and civic life. The district’s exceptional work has been recognized with two prestigious awards at the 2025 MASBA Recognition of Excellence Awards: the Workforce Development Initiative Award and the Civics Initiative Award.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting how both initiatives reflect Aldine’s broader mission to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

“These awards honor the incredible work happening across our district to ensure our students graduate with choices and opportunities,” said Goffney. “From creating workforce pipelines to empowering civic engagement, Aldine ISD continues to show what’s possible when we invest in our students and their futures.”

Goffney also praised district staff and partners for their continued innovation.

Building Pathways to Healthcare Careers

The Workforce Development Initiative Award honors Aldine ISD’s HEAL (Health Education And Learning) Program at Nimitz High School, developed in partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Launched in 2024, HEAL reimagines high school around healthcare education, connecting students to high-demand, high-wage careers through advanced coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and professional mentorships. With $32 million in funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Aldine ISD is one of only 10 sites nationwide selected to redesign the high school experience around healthcare learning.

Chief Dr. Adrian Bustillos, who oversees the program, said the district was inspired to create HEAL after data revealed both student interest and community need for healthcare pathways.

“In 2023, Aldine had an opportunity to create new healthcare pathways in partnership with Memorial Hermann,” Bustillos said. “We looked at our student data showing that there is a need for more healthcare options. This unique partnership allows the district to have a greater impact on our students.”

Through the partnership, a mock hospital and state-of-the-art learning spaces were constructed on the Nimitz campus, equipped with the same tools and technology used in professional hospitals. Students can select from five pathways — nursing, medical imaging, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and business health — and earn industry certifications in areas such as patient care technician, EKG technician, pharmacy technician, and medical billing and coding.

In its first year, every HEAL student earned CPR certification, completed hospital-based learning experiences, and gained mentors from Memorial Hermann.

“Our students see themselves as future healthcare professionals,” Bustillos added. “They walk the halls in their scrubs with confidence, representing their pathways with purpose. HEAL has truly ignited a sense of belonging and ambition in our students.”

The program will expand to serve approximately 760 students by 2029, continuing Aldine’s mission to ensure every student graduates with choices and opportunities.

Empowering the Next Generation of Voters

The Civics Initiative Award recognizes the district’s Aldine Votes campaign, which empowers high school students to become informed and active citizens. The initiative — launched through the district’s Civic Engagement Department — not only connects classroom learning to real-world experiences but also celebrates the active role students play in shaping their civic future through partnerships with the nonprofit Close Up and the Mexican Consulate in Houston. The initiative is a student-led, grant-funded program that encourages young people to promote civic engagement among their peers and families through outreach events, education, and advocacy.

In 2025, five Aldine High School students were honored by the Mexican Consulate for their civic engagement and leadership within the district’s Mexican community, as well as for their efforts to promote civic participation among peers and families. Earlier this year, 49 students from across Aldine traveled to Washington, D.C., where they participated in government discussions, explored historic sites, and deepened their understanding of democracy in action. For many, it was their first time leaving Houston—or even flying on a plane—making the experience both educational and transformative

One participant, Katheryn Carrasco, a member of Mustangs Vote at Aldine High School, said the experience brought her history lessons to life.

“Going on the D.C. trip is making my U.S. history class a lot easier to understand,” Carrasco said.

Pam Gallardo, civic engagement specialist, shared that since its inception in 2024, Aldine Votes has seen a remarkable 60.8% increase in membership, expanding from 250 members and six campus clubs last school year to 402 members and 10 clubs as of October 2025. This “growth highlights the students’ interest in getting involved in the program and becoming empowered leaders.”

Civic Engagement Specialist Daniel Meza said the program’s growth reflects students’ desire to make an impact.

“Aldine Votes gives students a voice,” Meza said. “We’re helping them understand how the government works — and how they can be part of shaping it.”

A Culture of Choice and Opportunity

Abel Garza, assistant superintendent for governmental relations and constituent services, who oversees the district’s civic engagement work, highlighted how both initiatives align with Aldine’s vision to prepare graduates who are ready to make choices that shape their futures.

“Both the HEAL program and Aldine Votes reflect our district’s inspiring vision to ensure every student graduates with choices and opportunities,” Garza said. “Whether through healthcare pathways or civic leadership, we’re helping students see that they can shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

Pictured in the photograph at the top of the page (l-r) are Chief of Schools Officer Dr. Javier Villarreal, AISD Board Trustee Paul Shanklin, Georgina Foeroi, executive director of professional learning and leadership development; Aniyushka Martin, executive director of multilingual services; Board Trustee Dr. Viola M. García, Board Trustee President Dr. Kimberley N. Booker, AISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Board Trustee Connie Esparza, and Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos.

Previous MASBA Awards

The 2025 awards mark the third year Aldine ISD has been honored by MASBA for its excellence in educational innovation and equity. Previous recognitions have included awards for educator support initiatives such as SHINE and the Parent Leadership Academy, as well as for family engagement programs like Family and Community University and English learner initiatives like La Promesa.

About MASBA

MASBA empowers school board members to be culturally conscious leaders in advancing Latino equity in education. In 2025, MASBA rebranded as MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity, reflecting its expanded national mission to drive equitable access to quality education and build a network of school board leaders dedicated to Latino equity in education.