Southwest Texas College Highlights TRUE Grant Pathway During Representative Site Visit
The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant is supporting SWTX in developing structured academic pathways that allow high school students to begin their journey into healthcare careers earlier than ever before. Through this initiative, students enrolled in partner high schools across the college’s service area will have the opportunity to earn dual credit and position themselves to apply for admission into the college’s Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program during their senior year.
“This pathway is about giving students a head start,” said Dr. Hector Gonzales, president of SWTX. “The TRUE Grant allows us to connect high school students directly to college programs and workforce opportunities, creating a smoother transition into high-demand healthcare careers.”
The site visit began with an overview of the program’s vision, focusing on how the pathway aligns education with regional workforce needs. College leaders emphasized that any high school within the SWTX service area can participate, expanding access and opportunity for students interested in healthcare fields.
Throughout the day, faculty and administrators outlined how the pathway is designed to support students from entry to completion. The program integrates dual credit coursework, academic advising, and targeted support services to ensure students are prepared to meet admission requirements for the LVN program and succeed in a rigorous healthcare curriculum.
Planning discussions highlighted key elements of the pathway, including curriculum alignment, credentialing goals, and clear course sequencing that enables students to progress efficiently from high school into college-level training. Presentations also detailed enrollment strategies, financial aid guidance, and student support services that will help remove barriers and keep students on track.
A dedicated session on student success emphasized tutoring, academic support, NCLEX preparation, and career readiness resources that will guide students beyond the classroom and into the workforce.
During a campus walk-through, representatives toured instructional labs and simulation spaces that will support hands-on training within the pathway. Planned enhancements funded through the grant include advanced nursing simulators, virtual reality tools, and updated instructional equipment designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments.
The visit also included an advisory committee luncheon with healthcare employers and community partners, where discussions focused on workforce needs, clinical opportunities, and creating a strong pipeline of skilled professionals. Employer input will help ensure that students completing the pathway are well-prepared to meet industry expectations and transition into employment opportunities.
The day concluded with an implementation planning session covering next steps, including curriculum sequencing, instructor hiring, equipment procurement timelines, and program rollout.
Through the TRUE Grant, SWTX is building a comprehensive healthcare pathway that begins in high school and leads directly to college credentials and employment opportunities. By allowing students to get ahead, earn college credit, and apply early to the LVN program, the college is creating meaningful opportunities that benefit both students and the communities they will serve.