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Taking time off from supplying the Houston area’s energy needs, 25 CenterPoint Energy employees spent Wednesday calling HISD students who have yet to report to school this year. The Grads Within Reach volunteers reminded the students how important it is for them to complete their education and encouraged them to return to school. 

“We understand how truly valuable education is, and that’s why we’re here,” said Veronica Guillory, CenterPoint Energy community relations program manager. “Education is essential, and I don’t know if young people understand how difficult it is to get a job without it. Whether they choose to go into the military, or college, or straight into a career, they need their high school diploma.”

Guillory has been volunteering to work with Grads Within Reach for the past 11 years. She said she is proud to work for a company that values and understands the importance of education. “A high school education is the foundation needed for whatever path they choose,” she added. “It is vital to their future.”

HISD volunteers will be encouraging students to stay in school during the district’s annual Grads Within Reach walk, Saturday, Sept. 6. Teams of volunteers fan out across the city to visit the last known address of students who dropped out or didn’t show up for the start of school.

Volunteers are still needed. First-time volunteers should fill out this form and choose a convenient training day. For those who have participated in the past, no additional training is needed. Current HISD employees can send an email to gwr@houstonisd.org to receive a training package after completing the volunteer online registration.

HISD has made it easy for dropouts to return to school. Visit this page for more information and call 713-556-7017 to learn how to enroll in classes again.