Plano nonprofit, My Possibilities, announced that it received $350,000 in state grant funding for its brand new Employment Innovations School, a job training program created for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The funding is part of the Texas Talent Connection grant program, which was announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott this past summer. According to the governor, the new grant initiative will be distributing over $6.5 million among 21 different workforce skills training and job placement programs throughout the state.
My Possibilities says that the grant funding will help support key program staff positions for its newly-established training institute from now until the near future, with the school being eligible for grant renewal for up to three years.
"Thanks to our young, skilled, diverse and growing workforce, Texas is the best state for business," said Gov. Abbott. “Meeting the needs of Texas employers by providing a continuing pipeline of workers with in-demand skills is paramount to ensure expanding economic opportunity in communities across the state."
Set to open for its inaugural first day of class on Oct. 2, 2023, My Possibilities’ Employment Innovations School (EID) is a first-of-its-kind program that seeks to help provide meaningful, inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.
The school will offer a wide range of vocational training program tracks, such as hospitality, technology, administration, retail and culinary, to name a few. The program is expected to serve over 300 students on day one, according to My Possibilities.
"I am proud that Texas continues to connect more employers to work-ready skilled Texans and more Texans to in-demand skills training for higher-paying careers and career advancement — creating a brighter Texas of tomorrow for all,” Gov. Abbott said.
To commemorate the opening of the new educational institute, My Possibilities will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Employment Innovations School building. All attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the event, which can be completed online.
