Photo above: UTRGV and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives unveil a ceremonial $5 million grant check on Thursday. The funding will support EMPOWER-RGV, a UTRGV-led initiative designed to provide hands-on workforce training and technical assistance to small manufacturers across the Rio Grande Valley. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)
By UTRGV News and Media Relations
Edinburg TX – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is one of 11 organizations nationwide to receive a $5 million federal grant aimed at strengthening the Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing sector by helping small manufacturers build a skilled workforce, adopt new technologies and expand their operations.
The grant, awarded through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) Grant Initiative, was formally presented to UTRGV on Thursday during a special presentation recognizing the federal investment in the university and the region’s growing manufacturing sector.
William Briggs, deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, attended the presentation and said he looks forward to seeing the initiative spur growth and help build a strong workforce pipeline in the Rio Grande Valley.
“To the manufacturers, small business owners, workers, doers and innovators, thank you for what you do,” he said. “To the students and manufacturing leaders of tomorrow, many of whom I’ve had the opportunity to meet, America’s economic future will be shaped by your skills, your work ethic and your willingness to build.”
The funding will support EMPOWER-RGV – short for Elevating Manufacturing through AI-Driven Practical-Oriented Workforce Education and Regional Growth in the Rio Grande Valley – an initiative led by the UTRGV Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) that will provide hands-on training and technical assistance to small manufacturers across the Valley.
Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa, UTRGV executive vice president for Strategic Initiatives and Student Affairs and deputy to the president, said the initiative is expected to serve at least 50 manufacturers, train 250 employees, award 200 industry-recognized credentials and help create 50 manufacturing jobs while supporting the retention of another 250 jobs.
The investment comes as South Texas continues to attract growth in aerospace and defense, energy, automation technology, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, industries that depend on a skilled workforce and strong local suppliers.
“UTRGV is uniquely positioned to connect our people and businesses with the expertise, equipment, training and technical assistance they need to take advantage of those opportunities,” Hinojosa said. “As the Valley’s university, that is an important part of our responsibility to this region.”
ELEVATING THE WORKFORCE
Recent industry engagement by UTRGV’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and regional workforce partners indicates that technological advances are outpacing the region’s existing training infrastructure.
Dr. Jianzhi “James” Li, principal investigator for EMPOWER-RGV and founding director of IAM, said manufacturing is about more than creating products; it creates skilled jobs, supports businesses throughout the supply chain and drives innovation.
“When we invest in advanced manufacturing, we are investing not only in factories and equipment, but in people, communities and America’s ability to compete,” he said.
Photo above: U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator William “Bill” Briggs speaks Thursday during a presentation at UTRGV recognizing a $5 million federal investment to strengthen the Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing sector through workforce training, technology adoption and support for small manufacturers. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)
As part of EMPOWER-RGV, UTRGV will establish a regional Manufacturing Hub and Small Business Launchpad through IAM. The hub will combine hands-on workforce training, AI-driven manufacturing and technology commercialization to support regional economic growth.
The initiative will provide training for UTRGV students, current workers, veterans and job seekers in areas including advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and digital manufacturing technologies.
Regional businesses also will have opportunities to explore AI-enabled manufacturing technologies, including machine learning, digital twins and intelligent automation, designed to improve productivity, quality and efficiency.
EMPOWER-RGV will build on more than $10 million previously invested in UTRGV workforce, research and innovation facilities.
“For decades, one of our greatest challenges has been creating enough high-quality career opportunities for our young people here at home. Today, that picture is changing,” Li said. “Billions of dollars are being invested in aerospace, shipbuilding, energy, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing operations across South Texas.”
EMPOWER-RGV also will provide technology incubation, commercialization and consulting services to help entrepreneurs, startups and small manufacturers develop products, improve operations, pursue federal and commercial contracts and connect with larger manufacturers, investors, workforce organizations and technology providers.
The project team includes Li and co-principal investigators Ron Garza, UTRGV senior associate vice president for Workforce and Economic Development; David Ortiz, representing the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center; and Dr. Mostafa Malki, IAM associate director.
Li said the goal is not simply to attract large companies to the Valley, but to build the workforce, local businesses, suppliers and technological capabilities needed to ensure more economic activity benefits the region.
The initiative is supported by strategic partners including America Makes, the ARM Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, America’s Additive Foundry Consortium, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, EOS, TMAC, COSTEP and Workforce Solutions.
“We are not simply training people for today’s jobs,” Li said. “We are building the industrial workforce and manufacturing ecosystem that can support the Rio Grande Valley for the next generation.”
To learn more about the UTRGV Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, visit www.utrgv.edu/iam.
Photo above: Pictured are Ron Garza, UTRGV senior associate vice president for Workforce and Economic Development; William “Bill” Briggs, U.S. Small Business Administration deputy administrator; and Dr. Jianzhi “James” Li, principal investigator for EMPOWER-RGV and founding director of the UTRGV Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. UTRGV is one of 11 organizations nationwide selected to receive funding through the U.S. Small Business Administratio