Meet Ezequiel Olivarez, IDEA THRIVE Alum, future Texas A&M Aggie, and the first student from the Rio Grande Valley to attend the Aggie ACHIEVE program at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.  

Aggie ACHIEVE at Texas A&M University is a comprehensive transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have exited high school. Aggie ACHIEVE provides an inclusive and immersive college education that equips students for employment in the community. In honor of Disability Independence Day, Ezequiel and his teacher share more about the admissions process and his preparation for this rigorous program.  

Thriving at IDEA Public Schools

IDEA THRIVE is a 18+ transition program to prepare young adults for post-secondary options of their choice. Students from IDEA THRIVE focus on gaining the independence skills needed to transition to employment, college, or vocational school. Ezequiel is breaking barriers by being the first scholar from IDEA THRIVE and the first from the Rio Grande Valley to attend Aggie ACHIEVE at Texas A&M.  

In preparation for the transition, Ezequiel’s goal in his post-secondary education was to successfully participate in the job interview process. With the help of his teachers, Ezequiel would record himself answering possible interview questions. Using a script as an accommodation, Ezequiel would watch his videos and give himself feedback on his performance.  

With help from transition specialist, Anna Gaona, Ezequiel focused on gaining a higher level of independence with activities like community scavenger hunts she would facilitate. One of the tasks was to shop for a Secret Santa gift on a $20 budget. In school, Ezequiel would engage in cooking lessons to ensure he could prepare his own meals if he had to move away from home.  

The Admissions Process 

As part of the Aggie Achieve admissions process, Ezequiel was invited to participate in a two-day interview and tasked with an assignment. He was required to use public transportation to get to the local grocery store and use a grocery list to purchase within budget. Proud of the time invested into practicing these skills, Anna is glad to see her work paying off.

“Ezequiel told me the task was so easy that my lessons in the community were harder,” Anna laughed.  

During Ezequiel’s week on campus, he participated in student activities and experienced college living in a dorm room. As part of the Texas A&M Aggie Achieve program, Ezequiel will spend his first two years residing in a campus residence hall and have access to TAMU coursework and campus-related activities.  
 
Upon successful completion of the Aggie ACHIEVE program, students will graduate with a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University.  

To learn more about Special Programs at IDEA Public Schools contact Ashley Wheeler, RGV Regional Director of Special Programs at ashley.wheeler@ideapublicschools.org. Interested in touring the IDEA THRIVE facility? Contact IDEA THRIVE Site Director Martin Contreras at martin.contreras@ideapublicschools.org.