WESLACO, Texas — Local leaders, economic development officials, and workforce partners gathered at Weslaco City Hall for a major check presentation totaling $117,000 dedicated to healthcare training for local residents.
The financial package is funded through a $58,500 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) High Demand Job Training program, matched dollar-for-dollar with $58,500 from the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
Through the joint partnership among the Weslaco EDC, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, and Texas Southmost College (TSC), 25 eligible Weslaco residents will receive full tuition and fee coverage for Patient Care Technician (PCT) training. Hands-on clinical training and practical experience will be hosted locally at Knapp Medical Center.
Addressing attendees at the press conference, Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez described the initiative as economic development coming full circle for the municipality.
"Investing in our people is an investment in Weslaco's future," Mayor Gonzalez said. "What makes this program particularly special is that it begins right here at home. This grant is specifically designed for Weslaco residents, ensuring that our local communities directly benefit from the investment in workforce development. Our residents can live in Weslaco, receive their education and training in Weslaco, potentially begin their healthcare careers at Knapp Medical Center, and ultimately spend and invest their earnings right here in our community."
Gonzalez praised the collaborative spirit between local institutions, school districts, and state agencies, noting that removing geographical and financial hurdles helps open career pathways that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Steve Valdez, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco, underscored that while recruitment of commercial retailers—such as the upcoming opening of Sam's Club in January—remains a headline metric for EDC success, direct job creation and workforce upskilling form the core mission.
"At the end of the day, it's the jobs," Valdez said. "We wanted to guarantee that Texas Southmost finds the right people that are living here, so that their money can be spent here, their families can be blessed by their income generated here, and so it's all about Weslaco being here at home."
Sandra Charlton, board president of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, referenced Ecclesiastes during her remarks, comparing the multi-agency agreement to a "cord with three strands."
"Workforce Solutions helps identify workforce needs and connects people with opportunities. Texas Southmost College provides the education and technical training to prepare individuals for meaningful careers, and the EDC is committed to bringing those opportunities together in a way that strengthens our local economy," Charlton said. "We are especially grateful for Knapp Medical Center for completing this partnership by providing the clinical education and hands-on experience."
Francisco “Frank” Almaraz, executive director of Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, pointed out that completing Patient Care Technician training serves as a stepping stone toward broader healthcare trajectories.
"For students, this is important because it's the first step toward a meaningful career and provides financial stability for them and their families," Almaraz stated. "It offers an opportunity to continue in the nursing field if they want to move up into an LVN or an RN."
Dr. Stella Garcia, vice president of institutional advancement at Texas Southmost College, highlighted the college's centennial milestone and its legacy across the Rio Grande Valley. Garcia explained that TSC instructors and specialized equipment will be brought directly to Knapp Medical Center to conduct the training.
"One of the things that's important to note is that this particular course allows students to earn what's called an Occupational Skills Award (OSA), which is transcriptable and recognized state-wide in Texas," Garcia noted. "We've got 25 student slots that we need to identify as City of Weslaco residents. We want to start training in January, giving us two months to conduct outreach and recruitment alongside our partners."
Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III, a TSC alumnus and Rio Grande Valley native, closed the event by emphasizing TWC's commitment to co-funding regional workforce development.
"We're meeting halfway to make sure the workforce of the Rio Grande Valley is trained and upskilled," Commissioner Treviño said. "As commissioner representing labor, one of my prime goals is to make sure that we have a strong, trained workforce for employers, especially here in the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas."
Outreach efforts to recruit the 25 eligible Weslaco residents for the January cohort are now underway through Workforce Solutions and the EDC.
