Renick picks up state award for Dalhart Community Education program

For release May 12, 2008
Contact: Phil Houseal, 830-257-2218

Sylvia Renick of Dalhart picked up a prestigious award for the new Dalhart Community Education Program during the Texas Community Education Association (TCEA) State Conference in San Antonio at the end of April.

The Texas Community Education Association and Foundation awarded Dalhart with the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) grant in the amount of $1000. Dalhart is eligible to receive an additional $500 the following year.

The (TCEA) Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) award program provides start-up consulting support and grants for new programs. Applications are accepted and presented throughout the year.

According to Phil Houseal, President of the Foundation, local community education programs receive no state funding in Texas. Therefore, TCEA conceived the TAP award program to help fill that unfunded need for support by new and developing projects. TAP is an attempt by the state association to "grow your own" new projects. In addition to the monetary award, TAP awards include teams of advisors assigned to assist the recipient program.

Renick plans to use the funding to help develop a web site that will allow residents to access class and program information, as well as enroll online.

The community education program is funded jointly by the City of Dalhart, Dallam County, Hartley County, the Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District, and the Dalhart School District, which also provides administrative support, office space, and free use of school buildings for classes.

During the first year, Renick has offered 30 classes, and this summer will offer a weeklong theater arts workshop with actors from New York.

"I am so excited about the community's response to our first year," Renick said. "We plan to grow and continue to reach more people, both children and adults."

For information on Dalhart's program, visit www.dalhartcommunityeducation.org or call Renick at 806-244-7818. For more information on Texas community education, visit www.tcea.com.

XXX

Sylvia Renick, Coordinator of Dalhart Community Education Program, received $1000 Technical Assistance Partnership award in San Antonio in April. Photo by Phil Houseal