Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) was front and center, demonstrating the power of education in transforming communities, as County Commissioners proclaimed Jan. 24, 2026, as International Day of Education in Harris County.

HCDE Adult Education Senior Director Dr. Eduardo Honold and Director of Career Pathways Bill Medina joined representatives from Alief Independent School District and the United Nations Association-USA at Commissions Court on Jan. 29 to speak about the positive impact of education throughout the county.

“International Education Day reminds us that while our children are our future, the adults in our classrooms today have the greatest potential impact in their communities’ short run,” Honold said. “By helping adult learners, we create a pathway to better jobs, accelerate economic growth and build a more equitable Harris County for all.”

Honold noted the division annually serves more than 6,000 adults earning their high school equivalency diploma, learning English or working toward a workforce certification.

 “Every adult that takes part in these programs is changing his or her own life and strengthening the fabric of Harris County,” he said.