Dallas, Texas -- A transformative $5.7 million federal investment is set to reshape health care education and workforce development across North Texas. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the PATH (Partners in Advancing Talent in Healthcare) Project unites Dallas College with Tarrant County College, Navarro College, Hill College and the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council in a bold effort to expand access, improve equity and meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals.

“This is what barrier-busting business looks like: collaboration across institutions, innovation in workforce development, and a shared commitment to equity and access in health care,” said Dr. Justin H. Lonon, Dallas College chancellor. “We’re not just training tomorrow’s workforce—we’re investing in the health and vitality of our communities.”

The four-year grant will deliver targeted training, build innovative career pathways, and directly support students through more than $1.3 million in tuition assistance. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, this grant will serve thousands of students across North Texas, particularly low-income individuals, first-generation college students and aspiring health care professionals from historically underserved areas. 

“The PATH Project gives our students more than just access, it gives them direction, support, and a clear path into health care careers that are deeply needed across our communities,” said Dr. Tetsuya Umebayashi, vice provost of the School of Health Sciences at Dallas College. “It’s about building programs that meet students where they are and equipping them with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing industry.”

This week, Dallas College hosted a formal signing ceremony with all partner institutions to launch the PATH Project, highlighting a shared commitment to workforce development and regional collaboration. The PATH project will run through 2029.

About Dallas College

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, Dallas College consists of seven campuses — Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland — plus a dozen centers located throughout Dallas County. As one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., Dallas College offers online and in-person learning, serving more than 127,000 credit, workforce and continuing education students annually. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts, four-year universities, industry and community leaders. Dallas College offers associate degrees and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as bachelor’s degrees in education, nursing and software development. As the largest provider of dual credit in Texas, Dallas College serves 30,000 high school students through 63 dual credit programs.