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Commission authorizes $76,500 EDC matching grant for patient care technician training for Harlingen residents
Summary
The City Commission approved Harlingen Economic Development Corporation funding of $76,500 to Texas Southmost College to support a patient care technician training program for 34 Harlingen residents, including 352 hours of hands-on training and four certifications.
The Harlingen City Commission unanimously authorized the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation to provide $76,500 to Texas Southmost College (TSC) as a matching grant to fund a patient care technician training program for Harlingen residents.
Program details: Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC, told the commission the grant will support 34 Harlingen residents in a 352-hour hands-on training program. Richard Mesquias of Texas Southmost College attended and confirmed the training includes four certifications — CPR, CNA (interpreted from transcript as a certification set), EKG and PCT — and coordination with local hospitals and clinics for placement opportunities.
Why it matters: The program aims to upskill local residents for high-demand health-sector jobs and includes reporting requirements; EDC and college representatives said outcomes and placement data will be provided. Commissioners discussed the program’s hands-on focus versus other institutions’ online offerings and confirmed the training is specifically for Harlingen residents.
Decision: The commission approved the EDC grant by unanimous vote. Staff said reporting and placement follow-up to the commission and EDC are part of the program requirements.
