Texas Mutual awards $100,000 in grant funding to LIT supporting workforce development

11/22/2024

Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, announced Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) as a recipient in the second round of its 2024 request for proposal initiative. 

“Texas Mutual has historically been a supporter of LIT’s Workforce Department and we greatly appreciate this new investment,” Dr. Sid Valentine, LIT President said. 

The funding will support fees and books for LIT Workforce and Continuing Education programs, including English as a Second Language, Communication and Leadership, the Business Development Academy and literacy classes. Additionally, $20,000 of the grant will cover tuition assistance, allowing LIT to offer the courses at a reduced cost. 

"We value the opportunity to empower adult learners through literacy and career skills training," said Ana Pereda, LIT Executive Director of Workforce and Continuing Education. "By equipping individuals with market-relevant skills, we’re not only helping them access higher-paying, stable jobs but also addressing labor shortages in vital industries. It’s inspiring to see how aligning their talents with local economic needs can create meaningful pathways for long-term career success and community growth."

The company is awarding more than $4.5 million to nearly 70 organizations across the state to support their efforts in workforce development and safety training. These grants are part of Texas Mutual’s 2024 commitment of $8 million in grant funding to nonprofit organizations in two categories—generational learning for working families, and workforce development and safety training. 

“At Texas Mutual, we’re committed to safe workplaces, and we’re inspired by the work of these nonprofits that share in the responsibility,” said Jackie Sekiguchi, Texas Mutual community affairs manager. “We’re proud to support them in strengthening the Texas workforce and hope that our investments help ensure they can continue to deliver on their initiatives.”

To be eligible for funding, organizations were required to be based in Texas, a 501(c)(3) designated organization and able to demonstrate they are actively delivering assistance and services to Texas communities in the required focus areas. 

For a full list of workforce development and safety training grant recipients please visit texasmutual.com/workforce-development.