For those who were furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic, or looking to upgrade their careers, Del Mar College can help.
Beginning this week they will launch a four-course fast-track initiative called "Recharge Coastal Bend."
"They are return-to-work academies, and we chose these topics because they tackle the industries that have been hit the most in the Coastal Bend," said Del Mar Interim Director for Corporate Services Lucy Kernan.
The four courses that will be taught are:
- Management acceleration
- HR Toolkit
- Career Resilience
- Hospitality
Each course costs just $199, and is offered to students already attending the college, and the public at large.
However, thanks to the Texas Workforce Commission, some of the students could receive a free ride.
"The TWC has given Del Mar College a $100,000 grant to support local businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic," Kernan said.
Employers can submit applications on their employees' behalf for the $2,000 in grant money, all of which can be used on Del Mar fast-track courses. Those who are unemployed are able to apply for grant money, also.
The courses begin with Career Resilience on July 28.
Each course is eight-hours long, and split up over two days.
Information for the entire program can be found here.
Patricia Bell, one of the architects behind the program and an instructors, is ready for her students to get to work.
"There's homework, there's worksheets, there's checklists and we are going to make sure that people have an action plan," Bell said. "They are going to have the confidence and they are going to know exactly what to do to pursue their career of choice."
In order to sign up for the classes or apply for the grant funding from the TWC, you can call the corporate services office at 361-883-9675 or email them at corporate@delmar.edu.