SKILLPOINT ALLIANCE AWARDED $500,000 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Funding Will Help Launch Gateway Allied Health

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded a $500,000 Workforce Development grant to Skillpoint Alliance to develop and implement the Gateway Allied Health rapid training and employment program. 

Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving Central Texas, and Austin Community College have delivered the nationally acclaimed Gateway Construction program since 1994. In January 2010, Skillpoint expanded the program with Gateway Electrical. The Gateway High School Dropout Prevention and Recovery program will launch in several Central Texas school districts during the 2010-11 school year.

Like all Gateway programs, Gateway Allied Health will provide intensive, high-quality instruction and award industry-recognized credentials for entry-level jobs, initially focused on medical billing and medical office positions. Skillpoint Alliance is working with state and local veteran’s organizations to recruit qualified Afghanistan and Iraq military veterans to serve as program instructors.

“For 16 years, Gateway Construction has given participants hope by building their confidence and self-esteem, and putting them on a path toward financial stability and independence,” said Margo Dover, executive director of Skillpoint Alliance. “There is a critical need for these types of entry-level healthcare positions in Central Texas, and we’re so pleased to expand our successful program to allied health careers. We’re also looking forward to working with returning Afghanistan and Iraq vets to help them transition to new careers in workforce education and training.”

Workforce Solutions – Capital Area, the local workforce board, and other social services providers will recruit Gateway participants and target individuals who need a second chance, including those who are under- and unemployed, homeless and receiving public assistance.  Longtime Gateway partner Austin Community College will assist with the development and delivery of Gateway Allied Health and Skillpoint’s health care industry partners will assist with the placement of Gateway Allied Health graduates into entry-level jobs.