Harlingen CISD

Harlingen School of Health Professions announced the expansion of its Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program following a $150,000 grant aimed at increasing student access to healthcare careers and strengthening the regional workforce.

“Today marks an exciting step forward for our LVN program and for healthcare in our community,” said Dr. Tina Garza, principal of Harlingen School of Health Professions. “Most importantly, today is about impact, and seeing our students grow, succeed, and give back to the community they call home.”

The expansion is supported by the Texas Workforce Commission and Valley Baptist Medical Center and is designed to provide students with additional training opportunities and clearer pathways into healthcare employment.

HSHP LVN alumnus Misael Tirado, now assistant director at Brownsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, said the program helped shape his professional mindset.

“This school created an environment where success was truly up to me,” Tirado said. “Our mindset slowly shifted from ‘doing homework’ to understanding that this work is about saving patients’ lives.”

Another graduate, Gabriela Cerda, said the program allowed her to begin nursing school and university coursework while still in high school.

“I am standing here today as a proud graduate of the LVN program and as proof of what is possible when students are given opportunity, support, and belief,” Cerda said.

Cerda now works at Valley Baptist Medical Center Harlingen, where she previously completed her clinical rotations.

“This LVN program didn’t just prepare me to be a nurse, it empowered me to pursue my dreams with confidence and purpose,” she said.

Harlingen CISD Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan said the investment reflects the district’s commitment to workforce readiness.

“This grant award represents more than funding. It represents hope, purpose, and the opportunity to change lives,” Kortan said.

“With this investment, we are expanding our Licensed Vocational Nurse pathway. We are creating more seats, more clinical experiences, and more access to the kind of high-quality training that leads directly to industry-recognized credentials and meaningful employment,” she said.

Dr. Garza said the program’s impact is best reflected in its graduates.

“Hearing from our alumni reminds us that the true impact of this program is seen in the care they provide and the lives they touch,” she said.