Workforce Solutions of the Permian Basin (WSPB) recently awarded a $48,500 workforce development grant to the Howard College – Lamesa campus to be used to update distance learning equipment on campus. The equipment is utilized by students attending classes that are not physically offered on the Lamesa campus by allowing participants on both ends of the connection to interact as though they are in the same room. The updates will bring the state-of-the-art classroom and equipment up to industry standards and provide a better experience for students. 

“This grant will provide educational opportunities for our students and the citizens of Lamesa to expand their skills and potentially increase earnings at their current job,” said Monica Castro, Howard College Lamesa campus director. “We want to do everything we can to provide tools our students need to increase their education and move up the ladder in their chosen occupations.”

The grant is the first step of a collaboration intended to extend WSPB services to the Lamesa and surrounding communities. Although students can utilize the technology to take any class offered by Howard College, WSPB has published a list of “Targeted Occupations” and they hope that more class options will be available to help students pursue those careers. Plans are in place to reach out and expand this type of opportunity in other nearby rural communities including Sands and Klondike.

In addition to the grant, WSPB is also offering a Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) scholarship that can help program participants with tuition, books, fees, and supplies for students pursuing targeted occupation programs. Contact the WIOA representative at 432-367-3332 for eligibility guidelines and application information.

For more information about Howard College visit www.howardcollege.edu or contact the Lamesa campus at 806-872-2223.