Collin College Awarded $2.1M Grant to Expand Adult Education Programs

Collin College has been awarded a $2.1 million grant annually for the next two years from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to expand adult education and literacy programs across Collin and Rockwall counties. The grant will provide a variety of free services to adults seeking career advancement or who want to improve their basic skills.

“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Collin College to serve a critical need in our community,” said Dr. Neil Matkin, Collin College district president. “By providing literacy education, workforce training, and other essential services, we can help adults achieve their educational and career goals.”

The grant will focus on five key areas: literacy education, workforce preparation and training, English as a Second Language (ESL) preparation and civics instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and career advancement services. All services will be offered at no cost to participants.

“This grant will support education attainment for persons who are in need of language or literacy skills to enter college or to advance their careers,” said Natalie Greenwell, executive director of Grants Management at Collin College.

“Many adults may have put their education on hold due to life circumstances, and this grant will provide them with a valuable opportunity to catch up and gain the skills they need to succeed.”

The grant funding will cover administrative costs, faculty salaries, instructional materials, exam preparation resources, training programs, and some contractual expenses. Notably, the grant will allow Collin College to launch a new training program specifically designed for justice-involved individuals at the Collin County Jail. This program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge they need to re-enter the workforce upon release.

The grant funded nine positions to support the program with an additional eight ESL faculty members. These new hires will fulfill a crucial role in ensuring the program’s success by providing personalized instruction and support to participants.

Both Collin College and the TWC are committed to ensuring the success of the program. Retention and program completion will be a key focus, with the TWC expecting Collin College to serve more than 1,500 unique students in the coming year.

For more information on Adult Education and Literacy at Collin College, email ael@collin.edu.