Student credits MESQUITE ISD transition program, workforce partnerships for earning driver’s license

Joshua Soledefranco, a 2023 graduate of John Hall High School, told MESQUITE ISD program staff that earning his driver's license gave him "a freedom and independence." He said he completed the district's transition services program in May 2024 and used paid on‑the‑job training to pay for driver education.

The transition services program, which the staff member described as preparing students for life after high school with vocational opportunities and independent‑living skills, provided Soledefranco with a 12‑week placement at a warehouse. "It was fun on the job training," Soledefranco said, and he added that he was paid during his placement and later was offered a job.

A MESQUITE ISD program staff member said the district works with outside partners to create those opportunities. "Through our partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, Josh received on‑the‑job training and was provided with real world experience," the staff member said. The staff member also said Texas A&M University provided a grant to update the transition warehouse, which "provided Josh the opportunity to do more things in his role." The staff member added, "Josh is the 1st student who has earned his driver's license and completed the MESQUITE ISD driver's ed course."

Soledefranco closed his remarks by expressing hope the achievement will be replicated. "He will not be the last," he said, and thanked the district's device station program for opening opportunities he had not known were available.

No formal action, vote or motion was recorded in the transcript. The remarks in the record are a student testimony and staff explanation of program supports, partnerships and a recent grant that program staff say expanded training opportunities.