U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1 Million to Expand Nursing Workforce Training in Abilene, Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1 million grant to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, to boost nursing workforce development opportunities in the region.

This grant will fund equipment for the Nursing Simulation Education Workforce Center to meet the critical demand for nurses in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create 206 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that all communities in Texas and across the country have the resources they need to grow and thrive," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo."This EDA investment will help provide essential healthcare workforce training to meet the regional demand for nurses while preparing students for well-paying, quality jobs."

"The U.S. Economic Development Administration supports locally led, place-based economic development," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This project will allow the nursing workforce training program at Hardin-Simmons University to continue to produce a highly trained, skilled workforce, creating jobs and diversifying the regional economy."

"As the fastest growing state in the nation, it is crucial that we continue to expand our healthcare workforce to meet the needs of Texans," said Governor Greg Abbott. "This grant will help create hundreds of good-paying jobs and provide critical workforce training for nursing students at Hardin-Simmons University to thrive in the high-demand healthcare industry. Together, we will ensure Texas continues to increase access to quality healthcare services in the Panhandle and across every corner of the state."

"The current shortage of nurses puts public safety and public health at risk," said Senator John Cornyn. "This award will give Hardin-Simmons University the opportunity to help expand health care workforce development opportunities in Abilene, and I look forward to seeing the impact it has on the Big Country."