Nearly 60 adult learners put pen to paper in ceremonious fashion as Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Adult Education division continued one of its newest, but most impactful events – Career Pathways Signing Day. The event on June 4 saw steady growth in participating signees, continued support of Adult Education’s business partnerships, and included words of encouragement from renowned Houstonian and philanthropist Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.

“Work is life’s greatest therapy,” McIngvale said to a crowded room at the Adult Education Learning Center. “Work changed my life, and when you find that job you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Signing Day celebrates students in Adult Education’s Career Pathways Program who recently completed workforce training, High School Equivalency (HSE, formerly known as GED) or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Similar to the longtime tradition of high school students inking letters of intent to colleges and universities for athletic scholarships, Adult Education graduates signed their own letters of intent – committing to employment offers from top Harris County companies. Whether it is changing careers or forging a new path after years of waiting, graduates have given themselves a new opportunity.

Fifty-five graduates were recognized in front of fellow Adult Education students, HCDE leadership and community partners.

Graduates earned workforce training certifications, while some went the extra mile and attained stackable certifications and training to receive promotions or a pay increase with respective employers.

“Every Super Goal champion knows a victory isn’t won on gameday. It’s built in the unseen moments,” Adult Education Director Linda Fehoko said. “It’s the relentless commitment, the perseverance to adversity and the belief that success is earned, not given.

“Workforce training is no different. It is the quiet battles fought behind the scenes, sacrifices made and the bold decisions that forge true champions.”

Among the companies presenting job offers were Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, MAREK Brothers construction and Prestige Health Care and Acadian Ambulance Service. Each business partner provides students an opportunity to enter the workforce through certifications, including phlebotomy, electrocardiography (EKG) and industrial pipefitting. Adult learners can also qualify as medical assistants or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or undergo National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Core training.

“I knew transitioning from my home country in Nigeria to the United States wasn’t going to be a walk in the park,” said Celine Okoro, a graduate and employee with Legacy on Long Meadows Senior Living after shifting from a career of advocacy in Nigeria. “But interfacing with Launch Point and HCDE has made the journey interesting, a bit challenging but most profoundly, given me hope as an immigrant trying to find a foothold in the United States of America.”

Okoro was selected to provide motivational words from a student’s perspective, but told the room it was more along the lines of “words of gratitude.”

“Gratitude to HCDE for coming up with this innovative program, giving back to society and trying to create a positive change for people they don’t even know,” she said.

McIngvale served as the keynote speaker. The businessman is known for owning and operating the Gallery Furniture retail chain, but also for his philanthropic efforts in the greater Houston area. Among those notable moves include opening his stores to families affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda two years later. Gallery Furniture also served as temporary shelter to those affected during the 2021 Texas winter storm and in 2024 following Hurricane Beryl.

“Embrace that job and give it all you have,” he said. “It may not be the only job you have in your life, but give it all you have to that employer. Show up early and stay late. Volunteer to do the dirty jobs nobody else wants to do. Be an overachiever and work harder than the next guy.

“And as you go through life, my biggest wish for you is that you find a job you love to do.”

After the signing ceremony, honorees posed for photos before heading to the Adult Education Learning Center’s third floor for a congratulatory reception. Each recipient received a Chromebook as well to help on his or her journey, be it employment, more education or both.

“Today is a milestone but its also a launch pad,” said Dr. Eduardo Honold, Adult Education senior director. “Keep striving, keep learning and keep reaching for those opportunities. Your journey is just beginning.”