Mercedes, Texas (October 31, 2024) —VIDA (Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement) is thrilled to announce the award of a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection grant, part of a $6.3 million workforce development initiative funded through the Texas Workforce Commission and administered by the Office of Governor Greg Abbott. This grant supports VIDA’s Rio Grande Valley Healthcare Professional Expansion Initiative, which provides training and certification programs designed to bridge local workforce gaps in high-demand healthcare roles, empowering residents in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.

Through the support of 13 regional hospitals, this initiative will train residents for essential positions in healthcare support, vocational and registered nursing, and various health tech roles. This collaboration ensures participants gain hands-on experience and job-ready skills, essential for a healthcare workforce that meets the community’s growing needs.

VIDA’s President & CEO, Felida Villarreal, shared, “This grant allows us to make a significant impact in our community by empowering residents to achieve high-skill, high-wage careers while addressing workforce shortages that impact healthcare access. We’re grateful to Governor Abbott’s office and our dedicated healthcare partners for their commitment to economic advancement in the RGV.”

In addition to technical training, VIDA’s program offers wraparound support services that include career counseling, academic guidance, financial assistance, and job placement to help each participant achieve sustainable success. This holistic approach is central to VIDA’s mission of empowering underserved residents through career-focused training that enhances personal stability and contributes to the region’s economic growth.

About Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement: For over 29 years, VIDA has helped more than 6,000 economically disadvantaged valley residents successfully complete career training programs in high demand occupations and achieve self-sufficiency. In 2024, VIDA served 742 participants with an average persistence rate of 91%. Participants entered VIDA’s program earning an average hourly wage of $5.70, but graduated and secured employment with an average hourly wage of over $22.96! This is a true representation of human capital investment and aligning workforce skills with local industry demand. To learn more about VIDA, please visit www.vidacareers.org or call (956) 903-1900.