LaRedOS, the "Opportunity and Solution Network" (La Red de Oportunidades y Soluciones), expands TAMIU’s binational impact through research, cross-border partnerships, border-focused education, and NGO capacity-building.
LaRedOS is a partnership with the cities of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, and Laredo, Texas, and with the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas (UAT)—all committed to improving prosperity and security in the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo region through research, education, and public service.
Through a partnership with United Independent School District’s Cherish Center, TAMIU is helping empower special needs students with real-world career experiences. Eight UISD students—representing each of the district’s four high schools—signed official commitment letters to launch the Cherish Connections program at TAMIU.
Students spend three hours daily on campus, supported by job coaches, contributing to TAMIU’s social and digital media efforts by capturing photos, editing content, and preparing media for publication. The program not only provides workplace skills but also exposes students to the university environment, encouraging pathways toward higher education.
UISD leaders highlight the program as an opportunity for students to gain independence, build confidence, and prepare for future careers. As one student shared, “They are teaching us how to edit pictures and create captions for social media. My goal is to learn and gain experience—I want to be a teacher aide, and this will help me in the future.”
Together, TAMIU and UISD are creating meaningful opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community connections for students with special needs.