PHARR, Texas - Angie Gonzalez, site coordinator for the brand new PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr, says she has been overwhelmed by the level of support shown by the local community.
The charter school, which caters for adults aged 18 to 50, has been set up by the PossAble Dream Foundation to assist adults that did not earn a high school diploma when they were in school. They can now go back to school to not only earn a GED but also an industry-recognized certificate.
In addition to the new school in Pharr, which is housed in the old Pharr Events Center, the foundation has opened another one in Brownsville and has plans to open one in Laredo.
Asked about the level of community support, Gonzalez said: “I'm glad you asked that because we've had an outpouring of support, not only from the City of Pharr but also from the surrounding communities and a lot of other nonprofits who say, hey, like, what is this about? What are you all doing? And how can we help?”
Gonzalez said this support helps the students.
“I think it really helps our students, because they're seeing that it's not just the PossAble Dream staff that is rooting for them, but the community as a whole. So, we were excited, We have been hearing from, like I said, nonprofits, saying, what can we do? How can we help? How can we help you recruit more? How can we help you enroll? What can we do to help the students with transportation, with childcare?”
Gonzalez said the local news media has also helped.
“We've been getting a lot of calls (from reporters), and that's really helping us get the word out that we are here and we are ready to serve the students.”
Asked if the level of support from the community has surprised her, Gonzalez said: “Yes, it has. It has, because when you are kind of stuck behind the walls, doing all the work, you don't realize the buzz that is out there. And so, we are surprised, and we are so open to it… and we're grateful.”
Tuesday, August. 26, 2025, was launch date for The PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr. Gonzalez said 103 students showed up. She said there is still time to register.
Asked if she had anything else to add, Gonzalez said:
“Come and try. Give us a chance. Give us a chance to help you work things out. Even if you're not sure, come by. Talk to us. We'll guide you through the process. We'll help you figure things out. And if this isn't the school for you, we'll find something that is something that works for you. So just come on by and talk to us and let us help you figure it out.”
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the Rio Grande Guardian's interview with Angie Gonzalez:
