Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley (WFS) has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Excellence in Community College Partnership Award by the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). This national recognition highlights Workforce Solutions’ outstanding leadership, community partnerships, and innovative approach to workforce development. WFS was selected as the national recipient by a panel representing more than 570 workforce development boards across the United States.
WFS and South Texas College (STC) have forged a strategic partnership to enhance and deliver impactful training opportunities to individuals in the Rio Grande Valley through a variety of programs.
“Workforce Solutions has long partnered with South Texas College to deliver training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other initiatives, but this award highlights our unique collaboration in launching the SNAP Employment and Training Third-Party Partnership initiative,” said Francisco Almaraz. “Together, we are expanding access to high-quality training and support services for low-income individuals while creating stronger pathways to sustainable employment.”
“On behalf of our STC administration and trustees, we congratulate Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley on this national recognition, which is testament to our collaboration, shared mission and highlights the strength of our partnership,” said Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., South Texas College president. “We’re proud to stand with our distinguished partners as we continue to empower our community, strengthen our regional economy and transform lives through our workforce-driven initiatives that provide education and training across the Rio Grande Valley.”
Workforce Solutions serves Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.
About the National Association of Workforce Boards and the NAWB Awards
The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) represents and advocates for the nation’s more than 570 workforce development boards, which coordinate with business and economic development stakeholders to administer regional workforce programs which meet the needs of jobseekers, businesses, and communities. For more information on NAWB’s latest work and new initiatives, visit www.nawb.org.
Presented annually at The Forum, NAWB Awards recognizes the most innovative and impactful work being done by workforce development boards and their partners. The Awards honor efforts which provide models for the nation’s workforce system: programs and partnerships which have transcended the expected and achieved the extraordinary for workers, businesses, and communities.
Information source: Workforce Solutions LRGV Wins 2026 Community College Partnership Award
