CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — An initiative that began 17 years ago has turned into an annual event for Corpus Christi ISD. Operation K.E.Y.S. stands for "Keeping Every Youth in School."
The program's mission is to find out what is preventing students from attending and seeing what they can do to help each student get an education.
Nearly 180 volunteers walked in different neighborhoods across the city to encourage an estimated 250 students who have not shown up to their classes to return to school.
Since the beginning, coordinator Jennifer Noyola has been part of every walk. She said this event is important because it gives CCISD an opportunity to see what is keeping students from going to school and provide them with resources so that students can return to school.
"Making that connection with them so they know they're not out here alone and that we're here to help them and provide them with whatever resources are necessary," Noyola said. "So that's our ultimate goal is to let them know they're not alone and we're here for them."
Rogelio Reschaman is a juvenile case manager for Nueces County and he said this event not only helps students but also families learn about the resources the district offers to ensure their child is successful in the classroom.
"One family today, had no idea how to go about to getting help for their son. He has anxiety issues and is on medication. The student wasn't on a 405 plan, so we gave them the right information so they can get that done, get that help from the school and get accommodations to be a better student," Reschaman said.
Over the years, Noyola has seen the impact this event has had in student's lives firsthand.
"I actually have a few that I have contact with that are now that are full grown adults and have children. And we love hearing that those successful stories of bringing them back," Noyola said. "And ultimately graduating them from CCISD and providing them with the after, the jobs and college."
Noyola said there are different reasons why students might not be wanting to got to school but she wants to remind parents that CCISD provides a variety of resources. For more information on resources, visit their website here.