On Saturday, May 30, 657 parents and children crossed the stage at Our Lady of the Lake University as graduates of AVANCE San Antonio’s Parent Child Education Program (PCEP), completing a nine month journey focused on learning, growth, and strengthening their families.
This year’s graduating class is especially significant. With 657 graduates, it is the largest PCEP graduating cohort AVANCE San Antonio has celebrated in more than a decade.
For 53 years, AVANCE has continued the tradition of celebrating PCEP graduates on a college campus, a reflection of our belief that education changes lives and that parents are their child’s first and most important teacher. For many families, walking across the stage at Our Lady of the Lake University is more than a graduation. It is a moment to recognize everything they have accomplished and the future they are building for their children.
Throughout the program year, families participated in weekly classes that focused on early childhood development, school readiness, positive parenting practices, and family well-being. Along the way, parents built confidence, formed lasting friendships, and gained new tools to support their children’s success both at home and in the classroom.
During the ceremony, Executive Director Yesenia Alvarez-Gonzalez reminded graduates that their connection to AVANCE does not end with graduation.
“As you move forward, remember that this graduation is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning of new opportunities. Continue learning, dreaming, and believing in yourselves. Always remember that you are and will forever be part of the AVANCE family. Wherever life takes you, we will be cheering you on and celebrating your successes.”
To our 2026 graduates, congratulations. We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and honored to have been part of your journey. We cannot wait to see what comes next.