La Joya, TX (KRGV) — La Joya ISD students will soon get a new lab to learn HVAC repairs after the district received more than $350,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The money will pay for equipment and job training through South Texas College. The first group will include around 30 students.

“We have about 15 faculty members right now and staff that actually teach the air conditioning classes,” South Texas College HVAC Faculty Instructor Victor Casas said. “They will be geared toward the certificate, and the ultimate goal is for them to graduate with a certificate and either join the workforce or come back for their associate's degree.” 

Casas said they are aiming to begin in the fall of 2027.