MISSION, TEXAS (December 4, 2024) – In Mission, Texas, a groundbreaking program is empowering students with special needs to navigate the transition from high school to independent adulthood with confidence and purpose. Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) is proud to shine a spotlight on its transformative T.I.T.A.N.S. initiative—an acronym for Transforming Individual Talent and Navigating Success—designed to equip students with the skills they need for life beyond the classroom.
Building Independence, One Skill at a Time
The T.I.T.A.N.S. program serves students who have completed their high school credits but continue to receive services through their Individualized Education Program (IEP). With a focus on independence, employability, and community engagement, the program helps students develop practical life skills that will serve them long after graduation.
“At T.I.T.A.N.S., we’re not just preparing students for the next stage of school—we’re preparing them for life,” said Lauren Suarez, a special education teacher in the program. "This program is all about fostering self-confidence, promoting independence, and helping students discover their potential."
The “Titans House”: A Home for Hands-On Learning
A standout feature of the program is the Titans House—a fully equipped learning environment located at Mission High School. This isn’t your typical classroom. The house serves as a dynamic, hands-on space where students practice everyday tasks and develop essential skills in a real-world setting.
Some of the key activities include:
- Meal Preparation: Students cook and prepare meals, including a weekly tradition of making breakfast tacos—a fun way to learn cooking and teamwork.
- Household Chores: From laundry to dishwashing and cleaning, students gain experience managing daily responsibilities.
- Personal Care: In a dedicated grooming room, students practice hygiene and grooming skills, boosting both their self-sufficiency and self-esteem.
“It’s all about giving students the tools they need to thrive independently—whether that’s managing a household or securing a job,” explained Juliana Galvan, a transition teacher with the program. “Through these hands-on experiences, students gain the confidence to take on life’s challenges.”
Vocational Training and Real-World Experience
The T.I.T.A.N.S. program goes beyond the classroom to offer vocational training through partnerships with local businesses. Students have the chance to gain real-world work experience at places like Peter Piper Pizza, Goodwill, Walgreens, H-E-B, and Crumbl Cookies. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students to hone job-specific skills like customer service, money management, and teamwork.
“Our goal is simple,” said Galvan. “We want every student to leave the program with the skills and confidence to secure a job and live independently. We start by understanding their unique interests and match them with opportunities that help them grow.”
The program also collaborates with the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services, connecting students with counselors who guide them through job placement and career development.
Transforming Lives Through Hands-On Learning
Currently, 21 students are enrolled in the T.I.T.A.N.S. program, with 20 participating in community-based vocational training and paid internships. Many of these internships pay above minimum wage, giving students a head start in both career development and financial literacy.
“We’ve seen remarkable transformations in these students,” shared Galvan. “When they first join, some are shy or unsure of themselves. But as they progress, they gain the confidence to take on challenges and embrace new opportunities. When they land their first job or show up to work independently, it’s an incredible moment—not just for them, but for their families too.”
Supporting Families Along the Way
Parental involvement is a key element of the T.I.T.A.N.S. program. Regular updates, meetings, and recommendations help parents stay engaged and provide additional support at home. "Parents are often amazed by what their children are able to accomplish," said Galvan. "They see growth and potential they hadn’t realized was there."
A Bright Future for Every Student
Mission CISD’s T.I.T.A.N.S. program is a shining example of how education can go beyond academics to prepare students for a bright future. By focusing on each student’s unique abilities and providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed, the program opens doors to independence, employment, and community involvement.
For more information about the T.I.T.A.N.S. program, please contact Lori Laboy, Transition Specialist for Mission CISD, at 956-323-7631.
MISSION, TEXAS (December 4, 2024) – In Mission, Texas, a groundbreaking program is empowering students with special needs to navigate the transition from high school to independent adulthood with confidence and purpose. Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) is proud to shine a spotlight on its transformative T.I.T.A.N.S. initiative—an acronym for Transforming Individual Talent and Navigating Success—designed to equip students with the skills they need for life beyond the classroom.
Building Independence, One Skill at a Time
The T.I.T.A.N.S. program serves students who have completed their high school credits but continue to receive services through their Individualized Education Program (IEP). With a focus on independence, employability, and community engagement, the program helps students develop practical life skills that will serve them long after graduation.
“At T.I.T.A.N.S., we’re not just preparing students for the next stage of school—we’re preparing them for life,” said Lauren Suarez, a special education teacher in the program. "This program is all about fostering self-confidence, promoting independence, and helping students discover their potential."
The “Titans House”: A Home for Hands-On Learning
A standout feature of the program is the Titans House—a fully equipped learning environment located at Mission High School. This isn’t your typical classroom. The house serves as a dynamic, hands-on space where students practice everyday tasks and develop essential skills in a real-world setting.
Some of the key activities include:
- Meal Preparation: Students cook and prepare meals, including a weekly tradition of making breakfast tacos—a fun way to learn cooking and teamwork.
- Household Chores: From laundry to dishwashing and cleaning, students gain experience managing daily responsibilities.
- Personal Care: In a dedicated grooming room, students practice hygiene and grooming skills, boosting both their self-sufficiency and self-esteem.
“It’s all about giving students the tools they need to thrive independently—whether that’s managing a household or securing a job,” explained Juliana Galvan, a transition teacher with the program. “Through these hands-on experiences, students gain the confidence to take on life’s challenges.”
Vocational Training and Real-World Experience
The T.I.T.A.N.S. program goes beyond the classroom to offer vocational training through partnerships with local businesses. Students have the chance to gain real-world work experience at places like Peter Piper Pizza, Goodwill, Walgreens, H-E-B, and Crumbl Cookies. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students to hone job-specific skills like customer service, money management, and teamwork.
“Our goal is simple,” said Galvan. “We want every student to leave the program with the skills and confidence to secure a job and live independently. We start by understanding their unique interests and match them with opportunities that help them grow.”
The program also collaborates with the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services, connecting students with counselors who guide them through job placement and career development.
Transforming Lives Through Hands-On Learning
Currently, 21 students are enrolled in the T.I.T.A.N.S. program, with 20 participating in community-based vocational training and paid internships. Many of these internships pay above minimum wage, giving students a head start in both career development and financial literacy.
“We’ve seen remarkable transformations in these students,” shared Galvan. “When they first join, some are shy or unsure of themselves. But as they progress, they gain the confidence to take on challenges and embrace new opportunities. When they land their first job or show up to work independently, it’s an incredible moment—not just for them, but for their families too.”
Supporting Families Along the Way
Parental involvement is a key element of the T.I.T.A.N.S. program. Regular updates, meetings, and recommendations help parents stay engaged and provide additional support at home. "Parents are often amazed by what their children are able to accomplish," said Galvan. "They see growth and potential they hadn’t realized was there."
A Bright Future for Every Student
Mission CISD’s T.I.T.A.N.S. program is a shining example of how education can go beyond academics to prepare students for a bright future. By focusing on each student’s unique abilities and providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed, the program opens doors to independence, employment, and community involvement.
For more information about the T.I.T.A.N.S. program, please contact Francisca Cruz - Executive Director for Special Education or Lori Laboy - Transition Specialist for Mission CISD, at 956-323-7631.