Washington, DC (June 29, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Pharr Community Outreach Project with a $75,000 grant.  The Pharr Community Outreach Project serves unemployed individuals requiring English language and other work-related skills.

The Pharr Community Outreach Project’s Pharr Literacy Project (PLP) assists local One Stop Career Centers by training unemployed residents with the necessary skills outlined in Workforce’s Local Employer 2005 Cluster Analysis.  A Workforce Solutions One Stop Career Center in the same building as PLP refers individuals for either ESL or GED courses.  The majority of referrals are for one of these two curriculums.  Other training courses include typing, computer literacy, and basic office skills.

“A trained and skilled workforce is essential for the success of our communities and our economy,” said Hinojosa.  “Continuing education, language classes, and technology training are all crucial components to guarantee that men and women learn the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.”
 
The PLP aims to create new classes targeted to low-income families to provide a free, comprehensive, and family-oriented GED program; register limited students so that each student receives individual attention in a program of study that is self-paced, motivational, and success-based; and, collaborate with the community to provide support services to the GED program students.

The project expects to enroll 15 students of similar level following a three month student evaluation effort.  Three sessions will be offered, serving a total of 45 students.  Follow-up with Workforce Solutions will track employment, movement on to community college, etc.