GRANTEE:                        South Texas Community College 

ADDRESS:                        P.O. Box 9701 College Drive                                             

                                                McAllen, Texas 78502-9701

AMOUNT:                         $3,000,000

DURATION:                      May 1, 2002 – May 1, 2004 (24 months)

POPULATION SERVED:        Displaced workers in Hidalgo, Starr, Cameron and Willacy counties who lack the necessary skills to become competitive in the areas of plastics, paper, metal stamping, consumer white goods, food, die-casting. Employers who will relocate if they are unable to find skilled workers will be served.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This will be Phase III, Expansion of the Plan. The funds will expand the Apprenticeship program throughout the Rio Grande Valley.  There are 43 apprentices currently in the program.  An apprenticeship plastic processing technician curriculum will be developed and a Pre-Apprenticeship Youth Program will be implemented while career pathways are strengthened.  A community college network will offer on-line courses for industry and high school concurrent enrollment students. A feasibility study will be conducted to identify training needs in health, building trades and automotive industries.  A community-based Outreach Marketing Program will be developed and the program will be linked to the WIA Individual Training Account Program.

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  Rio Grande Valley Community College Training Alliance, Texas State Technical College, Texas Southmost College, South Texas Community College, McAllen independent School District, South Texas Manufacturing Association and Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement.

MEDIA CONTACT:              Dr. Shirley A. Reed

                                      (956) 928-3541