STAFF REPORTS
Williams Career School of Excellence, a trade school committed to helping students graduate debt-free, has partnered with Dwyer Workforce Development, a national nonprofit tackling the healthcare staffing crisis by building sustainable career pathways.
With DWD’s support, WCSE can serve even more students, known as Dwyer Scholars, by providing them with tuition- free CNA training along with wraparound resources needed to thrive. DWD helps eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity, while also connecting students with case management and job opportunities. This holistic approach empowers WCSE to deliver training that equips graduates with the skills and confidence needed for long-term success in healthcare.
“My personal experience training as a CNA and witnessing firsthand how healthcare can transform lives inspired me to deliver high-quality education to others facing challenges similar to those I once faced,” said Lora Williams, Founder of Williams Career School of Excellence. “Partnering with Dwyer Workforce Development allows us to remove barriers that often stand in the way of student success, allowing them to focus on learning and building meaningful careers without the burden of crippling debt.”
The demand for CNA training in Central Texas continues to grow, as the number of certified nursing aides in Hays County has fallen by 28% between 2015 and 2024. Since launching a pilot collaboration in 2024, WCSE and DWD have trained more than nearly 100 certified nursing aides (CNAs).
This momentum is helping to build a pipeline that will address the projected shortage of 57,000 skilled nurses in Texas over the next decade. It also supports the state’s ambitious goal of ensuring 60% of Texans earn post-secondary “credentials of value,” equipping more residents with the skills to secure stable, well-paying jobs without debt.
“Cities across the country are facing critical shortages of skilled healthcare professionals, and together with our local partners like Williams Career School of Excellence, we are tackling this challenge headon,” said Barb Clapp, CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development. “By combining education with a comprehensive support system, we empower students to overcome obstacles, step confidently into the healthcare workforce, and build long-term, fulfilling careers that benefit both themselves and their communities.”
This partnership is rooted in the vision of WCSE founder Lora Williams, whose personal journey continues to drive the school’s mission. When she first moved to San Marcos, Lora enrolled in a CNA program to care for her grandparents. That choice not only launched her own healthcare career but also revealed how in-demand healthcare skills could lift families out of poverty. Today, her passion has fueled WCSE’s growth and impact across the region.
To make training more accessible, WCSE offers both day and evening CNA classes that run between four to five weeks, giving students the flexibility to balance work, family and education.
Following graduation and six to nine months of CNA experience depending on their next step, Dwyer Scholars can advance into other healthcare programs, including medical assistant training and even nursing school, with financial assistance and ongoing case management to guide their career progression.
Prospective students from all backgrounds are encouraged to explore this opportunity and take the next step by visiting the Williams Career School of Excellence at mywcse.com Dwyer Workforce Development is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large. Dwyer Workforce Development provides program participants – Dwyer Scholars – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in healthcare facilities, need-based wraparound services, and personcentered case management to foster successful outcomes.
Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Dwyer and his family, DWD is redefining what it means to give back — creating career pathways, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and improving patient outcomes. Under the leadership of CEO Barb Clapp, handpicked by Dwyer for her leadership and commitment to equity, the organization has grown rapidly from its Baltimore, Maryland headquarters, expanding its national reach to include Maryland, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Learn more at dwyerworkforcedev. org. In 2011, Cedric and Lora Williams, R.N., laid the foundation for Williams Career School of Excellence (WCSE) with a vision rooted in workforce education. Lora began her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at 16, while Cedric earned his HVAC certification in 1997. Their early achievements opened doors that helped them break free from poverty. Today, their mission is to equip individuals with the skills needed to overcome economic barriers, empowering families to pursue lifelong growth and success.
