Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to South Texas College, McAllen, Texas, to support construction of a 20,000 square foot facility to house the college’s continuing education training programs.
This grant will provide new opportunities and expanded space for continuing, professional, and workforce education training. The grant will be matched with $375,000 in local funds and is expected to create 650 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is committed to creating new opportunities for workforce advancement for Americans across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in South Texas College will provide upskilling and workforce development leading to good-paying jobs and new economic opportunities for local residents.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support South Texas College as they seek to diversify the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will equip workers with the skills needed to secure quality jobs.”
“The Economic Development Administration’s investment in South Texas College is a boon for the Rio Grande Valley and Texans enrolling in continuing education training programs,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “With this support, Texas will continue offering the best educational opportunities to our students and developing a highly skilled, diverse workforce to meet the needs of our economy and communities.”
“It’s imperative that all Texans wishing to pursue higher education and career training have the resources and support necessary to do so,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I applaud this announcement and will continue to do everything I can to increase access to additional education opportunities for students in McAllen.”
“Congratulations to South Texas College on receiving this well-deserved funding to continue offering outstanding education and training courses to their students,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15). “I want to thank Secretary Raimondo, Assistant Secretary Castillo, and the Biden Administration for helping equip students across our region looking to gain valuable skills. I look forward to joining Dr. Solis and South Texas College leadership when they break ground on a new facility.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC). EDA funds LRGVDC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.