Thanks to funding provided by two significant grants awarded by Texas Workforce Commission, getting ahead is now easier than ever for continuing education students at South Texas College. Thanks to two grants, Continuing, Professional, and Workforce Education at STC will begin assisting students with low literacy skills who either lack a high school diploma or who may not have the skills needed for employment.
A combined total of $659,340 comes from the Accelerate Texas IV: Integrated Education and Training grant and the TWC Pell Grant Ability to Benefit Capacity Building.
“These grants will allow us to provide 277 participants with the skills and credentials to be able to find employment,” said CPWE Director Olivia De La Rosa. “The target population for both grants are individuals with low literacy skills who either lack a high school diploma to be able to find employment or who may have their high school diploma or GED but who may not have the skills needed for employment.
“Our goal is to get individuals on a path to self-sufficiency and a better quality of life,” De La Rosa said.
The Accelerate Texas IV: Integrated Education and Training grant will support approximately 200 participants. These students will complete a recognized postsecondary credential with job placement support. Students will have concurrent enrollment in Workforce Training and adult education and literacy services. The grant will help individuals who are English language learners. They also should be at or below 8.9 on their Texas Assessment for Bilingual Education exam.
It will assist individuals who do not have a secondary school diploma. Those who have a high school diploma and have interest in certificate training are also eligible. Training areas include phlebotomy, pharmacy, structural welding, pipe welding, forklift, or maintenance and repair. Training is also available in Microsoft Office or as a nurse assistant, medical administrative assistant or first responder.
The Ability to Benefit Capacity Building grant will support at least 77 participants. These people will be recruited, assessed and then tested for program eligibility. The program will serve individuals who do not already have a high school credential. Yet, individuals do have to have at least an eighth grade level in reading, writing and math. Participants will complete at least six credit hours that are applicable toward a degree or certificate offered at STC. Training can also be of use toward the completion of an Occupational Skills Award or a Level 1 Certificate. Both of these are postsecondary credentials.
“Participants in this grant will also receive support for job placement and training in job readiness skills and college success,” said Virginia Champion. Champion serves as STC director of Grant Development, Management and Compliance. “Training will be in the areas of computer and internet specialist, medical office specialist, payroll assistant, and structural welding.”
The funding period for both grants began on Jan. 1 and will last until Dec. 31, 2020.