Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is a Texas Talent Connection Grant recipient for a second time in a row to continue enhancing employment opportunities and promoting workforce development across the RGV.

The $350,000 grant project will provide VIDA the opportunity to lead a continuation of the successful outcomes and deliverables from Texas Talent Connection Grant year one, in which 440 underserved residents were provided student support services to pursue degrees and credentials in target demand occupations. 

“We are immensely thankful to the Texas Workforce Commission, who is the grant administrator of the Texas Talent Connection Grant Program, for selecting VIDA as one of its grant recipients once again for year two of this innovative workforce development initiative,” said VIDA President and CEO Felida Villarreal. “Equitable career training opportunities and human capital investment must be prioritized during these challenging times for economic mobility of our underserved residents.

According to Villarreal, in the past, there has been a strong drive to promote traditional four-year bachelor’s degrees across the board, while undermining many essential short-term or vocational training programs.

“However, the reality is numerous occupations within the healthcare industry, STEM, and the specialized trades, offer competitive employment opportunities and career pathways for stackable credentials, apprenticeships, and continued professional growth,” said Villarreal. “With Texas Workforce Commission’s continued support, VIDA will continue to close workforce gaps.”