Community, Education, and Faith: The Journey of M.I. Academy

(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and appeared in the August 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) As her daughter's high school graduation approached, Linda Noell noticed a significant gap in opportunities for young adults with special needs in Harlingen. “When my daughter, who is special needs, graduated from high school [...] I began to search for her a program that she could be involved in [...] but there was nothing in Harlingen,” Linda states. Fueled by a desire to bridge this divide, and bolstered by the unwavering support of loved ones, she took a leap of faith to create new opportunities not only for her child but also for other underserved young adults in the community. M.I. Academy, founded by Linda Noell, director and visionary, extends learning beyond the boundaries of traditional schooling. Developed to assist young adults with special needs acclimate to life outside of the public school system, M.I. Academy embraces a holistic approach to nurturing educational growth and occupational skills. Hands-on activities are integrated into the daily life of M.I. Academy students, fostering academic growth and instilling the confidence to navigate life’s challenges. What began as a modest endeavor, accommodating just three students in Linda's own living room during its inaugural year, has blossomed into a vital resource for the community. Now housed in the Church of Christ on 8th and Harrison, M.I. Academy has enrolled 10 students, each benefitting from a tailored curriculum designed to foster both academic achievement and personal growth. Central to M.I. Academy's approach is hands-on learning, aimed at addressing the gap in education created by the lack of truly hands-on life skill experiences in some public schools. “The gap exists because the majority of our students are not yet able to be independent or live independently,” observes Linda. Students practice subjects like mathematics and reading through meaningful experiences and real-life applications, such as, following a recipe to prepare a dish or applying concepts for service industry roles. M.I. Academy extends beyond classroom education by integrating vocational training and community involvement into its curriculum. Twice a week, students engage in hands-on community activities, further fostering independence and meaningful contributions to their community. At Loaves and Fishes of the RGV, students help serve lunches, pack food pantry bags, stock pantry shelves, and assist with cleaning and other behind-the-scenes activities. Additionally, students at M.I. Academy assist Wild August Nursery & Flower Farm by counting and bundling flowers for market sales. These job site experiences not only enhance their vocational skills but also reinforce the practical applications of their learning. For Linda, the true value of M.I. Academy is highlighted by the program’s positive impact on students and their families. “The majority of the parents have all reported that their children have improved, whether it's in their communication skills or their attitude at home, coming home happy,” she proudly states. As a parent of an M.I. Academy student, Linda believes that the program has been a valuable learning experience for her daughter, as well as herself, with a noticeable improvement in her daughter’s ability to stay at home alone and complete her daily activities independently.  M.I. Academy relies on private tuition, donations from local businesses, and the generosity of the community at large to keep itself afloat. M.I. Academy also hosts an annual fundraiser in September to help cover needs to pay their staff, rent, and to purchase their educational supplies. As M.I. Academy looks to the future, its mission to empower young minds and strengthen community bonds shines brightly – an inspiring initiative that is quietly changing lives for the better. With dreams of expansion and self-sustainability (they hope to have their own building one day), supported by the community’s prayers and dedication, M.I. Academy aims to create even more opportunities for its students to flourish. Together, they envision a future where each of their students can achieve independence and find joy in their journey of learning and growth. To learn more about M.I. Academy and how you can support their mission, visit their website at https://www.miacademyrgv.com/ .