Based on outstanding accomplishments and dedication to student success, Laredo College has been selected to participate in Talent Strong Texas Pathways. This $16 million five-year statewide economic mobility grant administered by the Texas Success Center is designed to increase the number of credentialed Texans prepared for high-demand careers that offer a living wage.
“Laredo College is committed to building educational pathways that will lead students to meaningful workforce placement or academic transfer opportunities,” Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez said. “Grants such as the Talent Strong Texas Pathway allow Laredo College to be at the forefront of such educational trailblazing, which supports students throughout their educational experience, with actively engaging education, workforce partnerships and expand comprehensive student support. It is rewarding to see that our pathway initiatives will continue to increase short-term credentials and early workplace learning for our students. This will guide students into meaningful employment or seamless transferability to a university, thus adding value to our educational programs at Laredo College.”
The state’s higher education strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas, targets expanding the attainment of valuable postsecondary credentials. The intent is to increase employment opportunities and income levels for individuals while creating a deeper talent pool for employers.
“Texas higher education has unique responsibilities and roles to play in what comes next, to expand opportunities for all Texans and ensure our economic competitiveness on a global scale,” shared Harrison Keller, Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. “Now is the time to seize the vast, Texas-sized opportunities before us to achieve impact at scale and to dedicate ourselves to building a talent-strong Texas.”
The Texas Success Center, working with the state’s community colleges, is supporting the scaling of inclusive talent pathways directing students through collaboratively designed programs beginning with short-term credentials and early workplace learning.
“Texas is very fortunate to have a set of funding partners willing to invest in the important work of the community colleges. We are very impressed by the colleges’ commitment to design and implement talent pathways,” said Dr. Cynthia Ferrell, Vice President of the Texas Success Center. “We are excited to work with Laredo College as they continue to partner with local business and education leaders to provide valuable workforce and education opportunities.”
