Workforce Solutions in the Rio Grande Valley Receives Over $1.9 Million Grant to Boost Infrastructure Careers

McAllen, Texas – Workforce Solutions (WFS) Lower Rio and WFS Cameron are enthusiastic to announce the receipt of a substantial $1,991,745 grant from the US Department of Labor. This is only one of two grants awarded in the State of Texas. The significant financial boost comes as part of the Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs initiative, aimed at fostering career development in the rapidly expanding sectors of Renewable Energy, Transportation, and Broadband Infrastructure.

“The ultimate goal is to help job seekers enter into high-demand, high-quality career paths in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and technical service occupations.” Said Francisco Almaraz, WFS Lower Rio Chief Executive Officer “This will create a clear path to obtaining good-paying infrastructure jobs that will help our communities thrive in the long run.”

In an exemplary display of collaboration, WFS Lower Rio has partnered with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to enhance the employability of participants by aligning training programs with the needs of employers in the three targeted infrastructure sectors. MEDC has pledged an investment of $10,000 for the first year of the five-year grant to assist participants with additional support services essential for their career pathway training and employment needs, including uniforms, toolkits, licenses, and certificates.

MEDC is a non-profit corporation funded by the City of McAllen to stimulate job growth by attracting new industry and supporting existing companies with expansion efforts. Mark Garcia, the Executive Vice President of MEDC, emphasized the importance of aligning with “Innovate McAllen,” the organization’s strategic economic and workforce development initiative. “This partnership ensures that McAllen will have the skilled labor force necessary to meet the needs of both current and future employers.”

This grant marks a significant milestone in the Rio Grande Valley's journey toward economic resilience and sustainable growth. By investing in the workforce of tomorrow, WFS Lower Rio, WFS Cameron, and their partners are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.

As the local workforce development board, Workforce Solutions serves Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.

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