Funding Opportunities

High Demand Job Training

The High Demand Job Training (HDJT) program supports collaborations between local workforce development boards (Boards) and Type A or Type B economic development corporations (EDCs). Through the HDJT program, Boards partner with local EDCs to use their local economic development sales taxes for high-demand job training and other workforce-related activities. TWC supports these partnerships by providing up to $150,000 as a match to local economic development sales tax funds.



Skills Development Fund

A Texas public community college, technical college, local Workforce Development Board, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service can apply for the grant in partnership with a business, business consortium, or trade union. Skills Development Fund Program parameters include:

• Up to $500,000 per business (more for a consortium) for customized training needed by the business
• Target average cost per trainee of $2,000
• Training for full-time employees

Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund

Public community or technical colleges, or nonprofit organizations are eligible for funds to support workforce training programs for entry to mid-level jobs in high demand occupations. Lone Star Workforce of the Future Program parameters include:

• Cost per trainee of up to $7,500
• Grants may be up to $250,000
• 40% of project funding must come from a source other than state government
• At least 50% of program participants must be placed into high demand occupations that earn a self-sufficient wage

Skills for Small Business

A small business with fewer than 100 employees can apply for the grant. Skills for Small Business Program parameters include:

• Up to $1,800 per new hire and up to $900 per incumbent worker for tuition and fees in a 12-month period
• Training for full-time employees
• Training selected from courses offered by a Texas public community or technical college or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

Self Sufficiency Fund

A private, nonprofit community-based organization (501(c)(3)), public community college, technical college, or Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service can apply for a grant of up to $500,000 for training projects. Self Sufficiency Fund Program parameters include:

• Training for adult recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), individuals at risk of being on public assistance, low-income parents, and youth up to the age of 24 who are part of a low-income family.
• Training must result in an acceptable industry-recognized certification that  leads to permanent full-time employment opportunities
• Target average cost per trainee of $2,500

Texas Industry Partnership

The Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) program targets skills gaps and ensures a talent pipeline is available to address regional industry needs. Private employers, corporate foundations, and most 501(C)6 organizations can collaborate with local workforce development boards to apply for funding to support workforce development projects focused on high-demand, target occupations for job training in their communities. The TIP program supports collaborations between Boards and industry partners by leveraging matching contributions of up to $150,000 for workforce-related activities including occupational job training.

Jobs & Education for Texans

The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program provides grants to public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools to purchase and install equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree in a high-demand  occupation. Grants are awarded annually based on a competitive process.