Luis Rodriguez, RGV LEAD Executive Director, welcomed representatives from the La Feria, Rio Hondo, and Santa Rosa school districts to the Texas Regional Pathways Network regional meeting. He reminded attendees that the purpose of the TRPN grant is to assist workforce development regions with providing high-quality college and career pathways that are aligned with regional workforce needs. Vicky Guillen, Education Research Institute, provided updated information about the grant as it relates to the school districts involved in the grant program.

Guillen mentioned that three new pathways are being considered for the grant with the south cluster. In addition to construction, health science, and renewable energy, up for consideration are cosmetology, Information Tech Support & Services, and Health Informatics. RGV LEAD, the intermediary organization, is excited about helping the district’s partners with businesses related to the existing and new TRPN career pathways.

Dr. Norma Salaiz and Janie Johnston Lopez will be working closely with the school districts to help the program fulfill the grant requirements. Both ladies are scheduled to make in-person meetings with the school districts during the spring semester. If you have a business or know of someone who has a business related to the mentioned pathways and would like to partner with La Feria, Rio Hondo, or Santa Rosa, contact RGV LEAD.