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Workforce Solutions Cameron, or WSC, has received a $237,500 grant and preliminary designation from the Texas Education Agency to serve as regional convener for workforce development in Cameron County.
The designation represents a key milestone that recognizes the region’s leadership in creating effective pathways for students and employers, WSC stated in a news release.
Led by the agency’s Research and Development Department, the designation reflects progress made by WSC in bringing together local stakeholders, including secondary and post-secondary institutions, elected officials, economic development and community organizations, the release stated.
Regional alignment, the creation of work-based learning opportunities, and regional data utilization and communication have positioned the region as a leader in workforce development, the release stated. To guide the initiative, WSC has identified construction, health care, and manufacturing as target industries.
By focusing on these key sectors, the Cameron County Workforce Board aims to enhance and expand training programs across the region’s K-12 public schools, as well as charter, private, and magnet schools.
The $237,500 Tri-Agency Grant for Regional Conveners will designate WSC as the regional convener to oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the regional strategy for high-quality career and education pathways into targeted industries across the Cameron County.
“We are thrilled to receive this designation and the accompanying grant,” said Rafael Vela, chief executive officer at Workforce Solutions Cameron. “This funding will allow us to continue building on TEA Preliminary Designation and provide more opportunities for our students, employers, and the entire Cameron County community.”
As Workforce Solutions Cameron works toward achieving full designation, the focus for the next two years will remain on strengthening partnerships, particularly with K-12 and post-secondary institutions, and enhancing internal communication to streamline efforts across the region. The progress made to date utilizing the Tri-Agency grant funding is promising, and continued collaboration will ensure that the region is well-prepared for future workforce needs.
“As we advance to the implementation phase, we recognize the critical need to develop a skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of local employers and industry sectors”, said Sally Perez, chief operating officer at Workforce Solutions Cameron. “Our continued work will focus on aligning education and training with the demands of employers, ensuring that our workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”