TWC Awards $350,000 Grant to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement for Career Training

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) presented a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection (TTC) grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a non-profit that provides support to eligible applicants pursuing higher education. The grant will support innovative education and workforce skills training programs leading to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention for workers in the Rio Grande Valley.  
 
“Today’s Texas Talent Connection grant will help VIDA address critical labor shortages in Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare sector,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This initiative showcases how communities can work together to promote an innovative and skilled workforce.” 
 
VIDA will use the TTC grant in partnership with Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, Workforce Solutions Cameron, and other local partners to support the Rio Grande Valley Healthcare Professional Expansion Initiative. The initiative focuses on training and certifying residents for essential healthcare roles, addressing workforce shortages and improving healthcare access. 

Commissioner Treviño presented the ceremonial check on behalf of the Office of Governor Greg Abbott at an event held at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. 

The TTC grant program is funded by Wagner-Peyser 7(b) federal funds. The funds are allocated yearly to each state’s Office of the Governor to fund workforce training and job placement services. On behalf of the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Workforce Investment Council facilitates the call for applications and competitive selection processes for the TTC grant program. TWC is responsible for processes related to TTC grant award negotiation, funding, management, and monitoring. 

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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit www.twc.texas.gov. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.