Dallas College and Gainwell Technologies receive major grants

Dallas, Texas - In a collaborative endeavor designed to bolster workforce development, Dallas College and Gainwell Technologies have recently secured collective grants amounting to $1,045,269.

This significant financial aid has been provided by the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor. The primary objective is to implement advanced training via Dallas College's programs for more than 500 employees of Gainwell Technologies, a revered technology institution based in Irving.

Project lead at Dallas College, Julie Carey, emphasized the profound significance of these grants. She heralded the financial assistance from the Texas Workforce Commission and Department of Labor as a pivotal juncture, projecting immediate and substantial benefits. The funding, she confirmed, would act as a springboard, improving Gainwell Technologies' employees' career trajectories by offering comprehensive, top-tier training, thus enabling their professional growth.

In her official statement, Carey expressed deep gratitude towards the Texas Workforce Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and local employers for the enduring trust they have vested in Dallas College.

“We deeply appreciate the ongoing confidence that the Texas Workforce Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor and area employers place in Dallas College as an experienced, results-focused provider of high-quality workforce training,” Carey said.

Gainwell Technologies, acknowledged as a market leader, specializes in creating and implementing innovative technology to guide state Medicaid agencies. It is an essential provider of digital and cloud-based solutions, necessary for the efficient management of health and human services programs.

With regard to upskilling employees for higher-paying, in-demand roles, Dallas College elaborated on the specifics of the total award. It comprises two grants: firstly, the Texas Workforce Commission's "Skills Development Fund" grant, contributing $468,309 for the training of Gainwell's Texas-based workforce. Secondly, the U.S. Department of Labor has offered $576,960 under the "Federal Innovative Strategies — One Workforce" grant for the nationwide training of Gainwell's employees.

“The Skills Development Fund supports Texas employers by upskilling current employees and helping create new high-paying, in-demand jobs,” stated TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.

According to Daniel's evaluation, recent enhancements in the Texas labor market can be attributed to the strategic grants issued by the Texas Workforce Commission. Over three years, these grants have served as a crucial educational resource for more than 30,000 Texas employees, thereby boosting workforce skill levels and contributing to the state's overall productivity and dynamism.

Governor Greg Abbott views this financial support not as an expense but as an investment in Texas' future. He emphasizes that this economic dedication to fostering a highly skilled, diverse workforce is a fundamental cornerstone of the state's rapidly expanding industries and prosperous economy.

Governor Abbott further clarified that the financial aid is primarily targeted towards the training of new and existing healthcare professionals at Dallas College. These professionals will play a crucial role in providing optimal healthcare services to the citizens of Texas. Abbott's statement emphasized that the joint efforts of funding and training will create opportunities for the hardworking residents of Texas, thereby addressing the growing demands of the state's flourishing economy.

Utilizing the potential of advanced technologies, Dallas College aims to provide 16,000 hours of comprehensive technology training to Gainwell's employees. This innovative, IT-focused curriculum is set to focus on cultivating a team of technical professionals proficient in cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics, thereby fostering the development of a robust and adaptable workforce for the future.

The range of courses offered under the grant covers a broad spectrum, including areas such as Big Data Engineering, Amazon Web Services, Agile Leadership, and Data Analytics. Dallas College also announced additional training programs such as Python for Data Analytics, Tableau, Shift Left Thinking, Project Management, and several certifications including the Certified Scrum Master, Certified Agile Leadership, Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and ISTQB Certified Tester training.

Jacob Sims, Chief Technology Officer at Gainwell, leads a skilled team of technology experts dedicated to utilizing technology to provide quality healthcare. Sims expressed his confidence in the grants, anticipating that the training would enable Gainwell's workforce to explore the latent potential of cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics. This, in turn, is expected to fuel innovation for their clients at an unprecedented rate.

Upon completing this round of training, Dallas College plans to continue its partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission. The goal of this ongoing alliance is to secure additional Skills Development Fund grants that will provide further training opportunities for businesses throughout North Texas.

Dallas College, originally known as the Dallas County Community College District in 1965, consists of seven campuses - Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland. As a beacon of academic excellence, it not only provides traditional classroom learning but also offers online education and services to over 125,000 credit and continuing education students each year. Based on the annual enrollment, it is considered the largest community college in Texas.