ROCKDALE, Texas — Rockdale ISD is receiving a multimillion-dollar grant for a new college and career academy.
Rockdale is in Milam County, about 45 miles east of Georgetown. According to The Texas Tribune, as of the 2021-22 school, year, the district had 1,416 students.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded Rockdale ISD just over $5 million to turn the old Rockdale hospital into the career academy. The academy will have classes in health science, manufacturing and technology, as well as dual-credit courses so high schoolers can get college credit before they graduate.
Classes will be open to students and the community.
"We are thrilled to receive this substantial grant from the Economic Development Administration," said Dr. Denise Monzingo, superintendent of Rockdale ISD. "This funding allows us to take the first crucial steps towards transforming our College & Career Academy into a cutting-edge educational facility that will equip our students and community with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the 21st century workforce."
The grants are funded through the Assistance to Coal Communities initiative, which support communities affected by reduced coal usage, including coal mining, coal-fired power plants and related manufacturing.
“Texas remains the best state for business thanks to our diverse and highly skilled workforce,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “These grants in Rockdale and Port Isabel will help make critical improvements to our infrastructure, creating over 1,000 good-paying jobs, bolstering economic development in Central and South Texas and equipping young Texans with the skills they need to thrive in high-demand industries. I thank the Economic Development Administration for this investment that will lead to more economic growth as we work to build a bigger, better Texas.”