AUSTIN, TX — Today, Texas Workforce Commissioner representing Labor, Julian Alvarez presented a Texas Talent Connection grant award to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA). Commissioner Alvarez presented the grant check to representatives of VIDA at a ceremony in Mercedes, TX.

VIDA was awarded $350,000 in Texas Talent Connection Grants to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as programs serving workforce populations with special needs. This grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley area.

"I appreciate Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez for coming to the Rio Grande Valley to make this grant presentation and for being a tireless advocate for the workforce needs of South Texas," said Senator Hinojosa. "VIDA is a great organization that has been successful in partnering with the private sector and identifying the needs of the business community. They provide the training and skills necessary to unemployed or underemployed individuals so that they can help meet the needs of the business community. Just as important, more skills means better jobs and more money for workers to support their families," added Senator Hinojosa.

The Texas Talent Connection grant program is funded by Wagner-Peyser 7(b) federal funds, which are allocated to each State Office of the Governor on July 1 of each year for grants to fund workforce training and job placement services.

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