RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande (WFS), in partnership with the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, has been awarded an $85,924 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to expand career training opportunities for students preparing to enter high-demand occupations.

 

Presented by Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Alberto Treviño III, the grant will provide workforce training for 80 students in Accounting and Financial Services, including the opportunity to earn a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Tax Counseling Certification. Grant funding will also support the purchase of instructional equipment for Construction, Welding, Culinary Arts, and other Career and Technical Education programs, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The High Demand Job Training Program is designed to strengthen partnerships between Workforce Development Boards and local Economic Development Corporations by investing in training programs that align with regional workforce needs and industries targeted for economic growth.

"This investment is about creating opportunities for students before they enter the workforce," said Francisco Almaraz, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande. "By partnering with Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and the Texas Workforce Commission, we are providing students with industry-recognized training, valuable certifications, and hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need. Together, we are strengthening our local economy by investing in the talent of tomorrow."

Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande remains committed to collaborating with education, industry, and community partners to connect students with meaningful career pathways and ensure the Rio Grande Valley continues to develop a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of today's economy.

WFS 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.

###