Over $1.1 M in grants given to STC by Texas Workforce Commission
This article originally appeared in the Friday Aug. 2, 2019 issue of the Progress Times.
On Thursday, South Texas College was the recipient of two grants totaling $1,132,620. The first grant, totaling $1,057,620, will provide customized training for those in the healthcare industry.
This training will benefit new and existing participating employees of DHR Health, according to a news release from STC.
The Skills Development Fund grant was given to STC via a partnership with TWC and DHR Health. The grant is intended to provide customized training through a variety of healthcare areas for an estimated 4,000 new and existing (participating) employees of DHR Health.
“South Texas College values collaboration and partnership as vital to successfully acquiring, administering and implementing grants,” said Virginia Champion, STC’s grant developer. “Funding from the Texas Workforce Commission through the Skills Development Fund will help current employees in healthcare develop skills and further their careers.”
In addition to the $1 million grant, a Self Sufficiency Fund grant will also be awarded to South Texas College in partnership with Workforce Solutions in the amount of $140,860.
The grant will provide training leading to high demand occupations for an estimated 70 participants in the areas of welding, phlebotomy, and EKG technician.
“The SSF grant is intended to help individuals on government assistance, or those on the verge of becoming dependent on government assistance, to get on the path to self-sufficiency,” said Olivia De La Rosa, STC director of professional workforce education. “The occupational training offered through this grant will allow individuals to get a job that is in high demand in our area and start earning a wage above minimum wage.”
The second grant of $75,000 benefits the STC Nursing Program.
The Jobs and Education for Texans grant, which will go toward STC’s Associate Degree of Nursing Program, is part of an initiative by Texas Workforce Commission.
“Through innovative partnerships between employers and educators, Texas students will have the advanced skills in the workplace to help meet the demands of the 21st century,” said Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs.
The grant provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions for the purpose of developing career and technical education programs or courses leading to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree. The equipment must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations.
South Texas College is one of 27 institutions to receive the JET grant through Texas Workforce Commission totaling $5, 718,073. The grant was awarded to multiple public community colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges, and independent school districts.
STC will support dual credit for career and technical education students who will have access to equipment purchased though this grant. STC will be partnering with Mission CISD for a $206,584 grant that will train welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. Monte Alto ISD for a $112,614 grant that will train licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, and Weslaco ISD for a $268,501 grant to train welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
