Aldine ISD’s Mariachi Acero and Ballet Folklórico Ketzally brought vibrant performances to Room A300 on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, setting an energetic tone for a special event highlighting UHD’s major reading and education program: the UHD Bilingual E-Library.
Families from Aldine ISD who are part of the program joined the celebration alongside Program Director Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, UHD Provost Deborah E. Bordelon, and Aldine ISD Superintendent LaTonya M. Goffney.
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics, and factories.”
Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
The continuation of the Bilingual E-Library—aimed at expanding access to educational tools and digital resources for Houston families—was made possible through the work of Drs. Maria Bhattacharjee and Irene Chen, supported by a two-year, $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded earlier this year.
The UHD Bilingual E-Library Offers the Following Benefits:
- 240 families from two pilot schools (Bussey and Black Elementary) will participate in guided reading and writing activities using original stories created together.
- UHD students in the Department of Urban Education will receive hands-on training as they assist these families.
- UHD students majoring in Communication and Technology will contribute by producing digital books, videos, and educational games for the e-library.
- The e-library’s YouTube channel will provide instructional content on reading strategies for Aldine ISD educators, UHD teacher candidates, and families worldwide.
- The project is expected to positively influence local learning outcomes and long-term economic growth as the City of Houston works to strengthen foundational reading skills.
- Global reach—the library is accessible online from anywhere.
At the event, College of Public Service Dean Jonathon Schwartz served as emcee, with Provost Deborah E. Bordelon delivering opening remarks.
“As part of every child’s right to education, developing strong reading habits opens doors, expands possibilities, and improves quality of life,” said Bordelon. She noted that a recent report indicated Harris County’s economy could grow by $13 billion if adults improved their reading ability by even one level. “We are proud to partner with Aldine ISD to address this challenge—and above all, to share the joy of stories and books with your students and families.”
“At $2.5 million, the e-library expansion and upgrade grant is one of the largest active awards in our College of Public Service,” stated UHD President Loren J. Blanchard. “When it comes to collaboration, partnerships, and educational outreach, the Department of Urban Education sets a strong example.”
“UHD’s teacher preparation program is one of the leading sources of certified educators in the Houston area,” continued Blanchard. In addition to the e-library grant, Dr. Elizabeth Stackhouse and Dr. Ron Beebe secured a $2.5 million, five-year U.S. Department of Education Title V Grant to support training and wraparound services for UHD students pursuing teaching certifications in high-demand subject areas.
“Our focus on language development and instructional training reflects our broader commitment to our students and the neighborhoods they serve,” said Blanchard. UHD continues to act as a strong partner for the region, aiming to expand educational opportunities and promote long-term growth throughout Greater Houston.
About the University of Houston-Downtown
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year institution led by President Loren J. Blanchard. UHD educates approximately 14,000 students each year, has more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs across four colleges: the Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD is known for offering one of the most affordable tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News & World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD among the top colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, including recognition for student experience.
For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
By Marie Jacinto
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