A $30,000 Texas Mutual Workforce Grant was recently presented to Texas Southmost College from RGV Focus to help ensure opportunities for TSC faculty and students.

The grant will allow students to earn certifications in credit and non-credit workforce programs at TSC in specific skill sets. Faculty will be able to earn new certifications to add to the TSC inventory.

TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez said everything that TSC is doing to move the community forward takes strong partnerships.

“Thank you to RGV Focus for recognizing our efforts,” he said. “This donation is going to help approximately 500 students and staff earn a credential or industry recognized certificate, which are extremely important in making our students more marketable in the job market.”

The focus of this grant is to increase the number of students earning certifications in training programs. These include forklift operations, electrical, and other craft trade programs. The grant will also help TSC add certifications such as the Prehospital Trauma Life Support.

“At RGV Focus, we really pride ourselves in the work we do with our partners,” said Rodney Rodriguez, senior director for RGV Focus. “We have formed a great partnership with TSC, and with our partners at Texas Mutual we are able to help the college enhance their students’ ability to enter the industry and add to the value of educational services provided by TSC.”

Feeding Another Need

TSC will also use donation funds to host pop-up food pantries around campus. This will help workforce students while they are attending courses.

TSC Board Chairman Ruben Herrera said every service TSC offers is important to the success of a student. This includes ensuring students don’t go hungry.

“There is so much that can affect a student’s success, but hunger doesn’t have to be one of them,” said Herrera. “We are so honored to be working with RGV Focus and that they are assisting us in filling this need and ensuring that we combat hunger for our students. We want them to finish ‘Scorpion Strong’ and this is going to make it happen.”

President Rodriguez said he looks forward to growing and enhancing the partnership and further collaborating with RGV Focus in servicing the TSC community.

“Over the past four years we have seen enrollment grow by approximately 50 percent, we are seeing completion rates of a certificate or associate degree significantly increase, and we have students graduating in less time,” said Rodriguez. “Our students are reaping the rewards of these partnerships and helping us grow stronger.”