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Five-year U.S. Department of Education grant expands healthcare career pathways, stackable credentials and student support for underserved and working adult learners

AUSTIN, Texas — 91��ɫ announced today that it has been awarded a five-year, $2.97M Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Starting in October 2026, the funding will launch the Central Texas Healthcare Education and Advancement of Learning (HEAL) Project, an initiative designed to expand access to high-demand healthcare careers for low-income, non-traditional and working adult students across Central Texas. 

“As our economic landscape evolves, higher education institutions must lead the way in bridging critical workforce needs. Securing this $2.97M award marks a transformative moment for 91��ɫ and the broader Central Texas region,” said Interim President Matthew Shank. “Through the HEAL Project and our partnerships with regional healthcare leaders, our university is expanding its role as a regional workforce collaborator committed to preparing non-traditional and working adult learners for high-demand, high-impact careers that elevate families and strengthen our regional economy." 

Managed out of the Office of Partnerships and Professional Studies in collaboration with the School of Health Sciences, the HEAL Project will offer eight short-term, workforce-aligned credential programs designed to be portable and stackable. These flexible pathways allow non-traditional learners, veterans, economically disadvantaged individuals and working professionals to quickly acquire skills to fill critical labor market needs while gaining opportunities to bridge into advanced certificates or full degree programs. To remove financial barriers, St. Edward’s is prioritizing lower costs and shorter completion times, supported by dedicated staff offering holistic advising for academic, career and personal balance. Furthermore, designing these programs around workforce alignment positions the university to adapt to the evolving federal financial aid landscape, including Workforce Pell. This extends the university’s commitment to ensuring educational pathways in high-demand fields are accessible to all types of learners across Central Texas. 

The project’s curriculum and learning outcomes will be directly informed by up to 12 leading regional partners across healthcare, workforce development and business, including Ascension Texas and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. By aligning program expectations with the acute hiring needs of Central Texas healthcare employers, the HEAL Project creates an agile, sustainable pipeline of job-ready graduates designed to directly alleviate local healthcare staffing shortages while driving long-term regional economic growth. 

Industry leaders emphasize the vital role this cross-sector collaboration plays for the region: 

“Investing in the future of healthcare means investing directly in the people of our community," said Elise Wyant, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ascension Texas. "Through the HEAL Project, Ascension Seton is supporting career pathways for adult learners who want to enter the medical field. Collaborating with St. Edward's University helps build a locally trained workforce ready to step into essential roles and meet the growing needs of Central Texas and beyond." 

“The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting workforce development efforts that align education and training with the needs of Central Texas employers. 91��ɫ’s HEAL Project will expand access to high-quality, short-term healthcare credentials, helping strengthen the regional talent pipeline while creating new pathways for individuals to enter and advance in the healthcare workforce. We’re proud to support this project for a stronger workforce and a more competitive regional economy,” said Jeremy Martin, President and CEO of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. 

The first year of the grant will concentrate on robust program development and collaboration with key community and institutional partners. This foundational phase will ensure the alignment of resources, program design, and support systems necessary to build a sustainable framework. With these strategic efforts established, the HEAL Project is expected to launch in year two. 

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91��ɫ is a private university with Catholic, Holy Cross values and approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, this top-ranked university offers more than 55 undergraduate programs, six master’s degrees, two doctoral degrees and industry-focused professional certificates. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students with distinctive academics and extensive internships, research, and service-learning opportunities on a vibrant, inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 23 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2027 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #6 among the Best Regional Universities in the West, #5 Top Performers on Social Mobility, #3 Top Private Colleges in the West, #3 for Best Value School and #5 for Best Colleges for Veterans.