The Dream of a High School Diploma Became Reality Recently for 98 Employees

The dream of a high school diploma became reality recently for 98 employees of Denimatrix in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Denimatrix is part of the Textile and Apparel Division of Lubbock, Texas-based Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA). More than 500 family members, friends and guests attended the graduation ceremony. 

The Rotterdam School in Guatemala oversees the fully accredited program and provides teachers and the curriculum. Denimatrix provides a Continuing Education Center at its facility where classes are held after business hours and on weekends. More than 370 Denimatrix employees were enrolled in the program in 2012, and after graduating, they are eligible to apply for admission to a university. Since 2009, 301 employees have earned their diplomas. 
"We believe the best way to improve society and provide better opportunities for our employees is through education," said PCCA President and CEO Wally Darneille. "It is remarkable how many of our employees are involved in continuing their education," he added, "and making this opportunity available is another example of our commitment to social responsibility." Denimatrix makes it possible for the employees to pay for their tuition through payroll deductions. 

"This accomplishment takes great dedication and motivation, and it is nothing short of remarkable," said PCCA Vice President of Administration and Human Resources Jim Taylor. "These employees attend the school voluntarily, on their own time, at their own expense, and often travel long distances to be in class. Meanwhile, they work at Denimatrix, have families to care for, and must study to prepare for their lessons." 

Teachers address all educational levels from elementary through high school while offering higher-level courses in subjects including computer science, management, accounting, secretarial skills, and English as a second language. 

Denimatrix was one of three recipients of the 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence presented by the U.S. State Department for its environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Earlier this year, the company was named Exporter of the Year in the Textiles and Apparel category by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) for its 25 percent growth in the value of jeans exports with quality, creativity and innovation and for its unique CSR program. 

Denimatrix was formed in 2009 by PCCA to produce high-fashion denim jeans. PCCA is a farmer-owned cotton marketing cooperative with 10,000 active members in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. Its Textile and Apparel Division, comprised of Denimatrix and American Cotton Growers (ACG) Denim Mill in Littlefield, Texas, is the only fully vertically integrated supply chain for denim fabric and jeans in the Western Hemisphere.