East RGV News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 30, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) was awarded a $20 million grant by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the largest single grant received by the university in its history and will directly fund education and workforce development initiatives for Hispanic students seeking to enter the agricultural sector. 

“This funding will be a driving force for the next generation of South Texas agricultural professionals,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “It represents a huge win for our Hispanic students, who will benefit from direct support that takes them from the classroom and into in-demand careers. The award itself speaks volumes about the caliber of training and education provided by Texas A&M Kingsville. It’s also a victory for our region’s agricultural sector, which will gain a talented workforce that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern agricultural landscape.”

“The pathway created by this program is one that ensures student success, preparing students for careers within the USDA and federal-level careers in agriculture, which are vitally important to regions like ours. It is the largest single grant our university has ever received in our nearly 100-year history and will help hundreds of students realize their dreams. I want to thank Rep. Gonzalez for his continued support of efforts like these to better serve South Texas,” said Dr. Robert Vela, President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville

“Texas A&M University-Kingsville has long been a leader in agriculture and education, and this USDA award will leverage the university’s expertise as a Hispanic Serving Institution to grow the advanced agriculture workforce,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “Texas A&M-Kingsville is answering the call for the nation and for South Texas. I have no doubt that our work will become a model for other institutions to follow.”

The grant, LEADING Hispanics to Federal Agency Employment, will have TAMUK partner with local institutions to create a pathway for Hispanic students wanting to enter food, agricultural, natural resources, or human sciences careers. This will provide educational opportunities from high school through undergraduate and graduate programs that leads to career-placement opportunities at USDA agencies. The grant outlines other goals, such as instituting programs to help students develop bilingual skills and personal development growth through mentorship opportunities. 

 

This grant is possible through a $262.5 million national investment in higher education institutions funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Congressman Gonzalez helped pass during the 117th Congress. This legislation continues to lower energy and healthcare costs for American families and to train our nation’s future workers by funding education initiatives and workforce development programs. 

Original source can be found here.