Merced County Office of Education Adult Regional Occupational Program (ROP) student Diana Cortes received statewide recognition through the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) California Adult Education Students Succeed program.
The OTAN California Adult Education Students Succeed program recognizes students who found success through adult education agencies and highlights their hard work in pursuit of personal, academic and professional goals.
Cortes completed the Foundations in Early Education Adult ROP course and is currently enrolled at Merced College where she is working towards an associate’s degree in child development. In addition, Cortes was hired at the Merced College Child Development Center as an instructional assistant.
“My experience in the Foundation in Early Education program was great. I gained knowledge in infant/toddler development and caregiving practices.” Cortes said of the program. “Also, having the opportunity to intern helped me gain real-world skills and to be prepared to apply for a job.”
Cortes was nominated by MCOE Adult ROP Instructor Andrea Cruthird-Mays, who teaches the Foundations in Early Education course. Her instructor stated, “Diana is an amazing student who is modeling and teaching her young daughter that educational advancement is an economic equalizer. Diana is an inspiration!”
The Merced County Office of Education 2021-2022 Award of Excellence, which honors Adult ROP students for their educational and professional achievements, was also awarded to Cortes for her success.
Cortes’ achievements and story are featured on the California Adult Education Students Succeed website: https://adultedlearners.org/Students/Student/304
Program honorees were selected based on criteria such as employment status, contributions to the community, continued higher education, achievement of goals and the ability to overcome personal challenges in the pursuit of professional and educational advancement.
For more information on the MCOE Adult ROP courses contact Dora Robles at (209) 381-6684.