Mega Doctor News
By Amanda Sotelo
The South Texas College Dual Credit Programs and Weslaco and Roma Independent School Districts recently celebrated two Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to support and expand career training in health care.
STC and its school district partners, were among three other JET grant recipients awarded in the Rio Grande Valley, supporting health and technical education such as welding.
“We’re very excited that both Roma and Weslaco ISD have received these JET grants specifically for the health care pathway,” said Rebecca De Leon, associate vice president of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships. “This is an in-demand field, and we know that our students, within these pathways, will get the education and exposure needed to gain insight into their chosen career paths.”
She added that these JET grants for many schools, like Roma and Weslaco ISDs, are imperative to expanding opportunities.
The TWC JET grant awarded to Roma ISD in the amount of $216,226, will train 100 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in partnership with the college.
This is the first-ever JET grant awarded to Roma ISD, an A-rated district, and Jaime Escobar Jr., director of Roma ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and College, Career and Military-Ready department, said this grant is an exciting new beginning for the district.
“This is the first of many JET grants we will receive…it’s such an honor, and this will have a huge impact on our students,” said Escobar. “There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of education. With this JET grant, we are making learning tangible for our children and teens, and through this partnership with STC, they’re college and workforce-ready.
Weslaco ISD was also awarded a $308,490 JET grant that will help train more than 1,400 students, also in collaboration with STC, as nursing assistants.
“What CTE does and through grants like this, we can make education an equalizing power,” said Roma ISD CTE Director Eliza Gomez. “The level of rigor presented by our CTE programs is astonishing and a model that leads to student success…it takes our students to new levels. With this grant, we can upgrade our hospital beds and purchase new top-of-the-line simulator mannequins so our students can train with industry-standard equipment. This helps inspire our students to continue expanding their knowledge.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said these JET grants are an investment in the students of the Rio Grande Valley, the communities TWC serves and the region’s workforce.
“The TWC is proud to present these grants. These JET grants are instrumental in training students in health care and welding – two industries that are in desperate need of a skilled workforce,” said Treviño. “These types of funds are needed right here at home (RGV), where we are training and instructing our future workforce. More than 2,100 students will be educated in health care and welding and will give them the opportunity to not only earn high-paying jobs, but also stability and the power to have a career with advancement. It’s crucial that everyone here in the Rio Grande Valley has access to this opportunity.”
He added that he is privileged and honored to be working with school districts and community colleges like STC, that are leaders in their communities to ensure that the Texas economy and workforce remain strong.
For more information on STC’s Dual Credit Programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/dual.
Information source: STC
