Swing away … DMC, Aransas County Reps and Other Dignitaries Kick-off Rockport Renovation for Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas County
Article by Melinda Eddleman The Little Bay Primary School served as the venue to educate Rockport-Fulton area youngsters for decades. But on Jan. 30, Del Mar College (DMC), Aransas County and state and national representatives took swings with gold-painted sledgehammers to a pre-fabricated sheetrock wall on the north side of the former elementary school to symbolize a new beginning as the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas County. The “Workforce Rising: The Future of Workforce Training in Aransas County” renovation kick-off moves forward the $2.5 million-plus project for renovation to begin that will breathe new life into the 16,000-square-foot facility as it continues serving the region’s residents, including those living in Aransas County and surrounding communities. The event also recognized local donor support from both individuals and businesses who raised through the Del Mar College Foundation over $400,000 toward the project. Dr. Escamilla added, “The Center will bring our world-class programs closer to your home.” Located on Highway 35 North in Rockport, completion of the renovation project is anticipated by fall 2025 and will serve between 400 to 800 students annually. Design work has been completed by Turner | Ramirez Architects. The project first began as a collaboration among Del Mar College, Aransas County, the Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2021 with initial funding coming from a $1.7 million EDA grant. Additional funds include the $400,000 raised by Aransas County business leaders and private donors to support the project and the area’s economy with a well-trained workforce once the Center opens. Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, “Local, private fundraising has been critical to making the Center a reality with local donors contributing over $440,000, but further support is needed to get us over the finish line.” In addition to remarks by Dr. Escamilla and Keas during the event, Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation representatives also spoke, including John Jackson, Past President and current Board Secretary, and current President Jeffrey Sjostrom, along with Texas Legislature Rep. Todd Hunter, District 32. View clips of all five speakers’ remarks below: Also, during the event, the AEP Foundation presented an additional $75,000 toward the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center-Aransas County project. Current donors who have provided additional private funding through the Del Mar College Foundation are ACE Hardware, AEP Foundation, Blanton Builders, Charles Moreau, Coastal Bend Waste, Del Mar College Foundation, Aransas County Independent School District, Aransas County ISD Education Foundation, Aransas County, Bob and Harriet Parker, Capital Leasing, Charlie and Carla Belaire, City of Rockport, Jatin and Jatel Bhakta, John and Debbie Jackson, Karen Mella Realtors, Kim and Paul Foutz, Margaret Sue Rust Foundation, Nystrom Family Foundation, Redfish Lodge Partners LLC, Richard and Joy Dias and Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Del Mar College Foundation will offer scholarships once the center opens, and donations toward supporting scholarship funds and renovation work are currently being accepted. To inquire, contact the DMC Office of Development at 361-698-1317 or foundation@delmar.edu. Once completed, the Center will include classrooms, labs and additional space to house high-demand marketable skills training that builds a sustainable workforce in the Aransas County area. Training strategically targets occupations identified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend that meet Aransas County’s local and regional needs, including: • Health Sciences • Public Safety/Fire/EMS • Building/Construction Trades • Light Industrial/Manufacturing • Small Business & Entrepreneurship • Computer-Aided Design/Drafting • Communications & Broadcasting • General Education, Continuing Education and Certification Programs • Training offered by DMC Corporate Services Classes and training will be available to everyone – young adults seeking a career, adults who want to up-skill and re-skill for essential jobs and those who simply want to re-enter the workforce. Over the years, DMC has already partnered through its Dual Enrollment program with Rockport-Fulton Independent School District. The Center will provide students access to more courses and programs, along with technology and hands-on training equipment, to prepare them for the regional workforce and economy. Academic coursework will also provide students the opportunity to complete programs at Del Mar College or transfer credits to area universities.