The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund. Designed to increase the number of qualified workers in high-demand occupations, the program was created by the 88th Texas Legislature through passage of HB 1755, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Eligible grant recipients include public junior colleges and technical institutions as well as nonprofit organizations, TWC said in a news release. Among other qualifications, applicants must demonstrate previous successful, verified outcomes of training programs. Approved grants will provide up to $7,500 per trainee, with a maximum award of $250,000.
The Texas Legislature appropriated $5 million to the program for the 2024-2025 biennium and created an advisory board to assist TWC in administering the program. Applications will be accepted until funding is exhausted, TWC said. More information and applications can be found online.
“The Texas Workforce Commission is expanding its resources to provide training to Texans that aligns with the needs of our employers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Initiatives such as the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund help prepare Texans for high demand jobs and continued economic growth.”
According to TWC’s Labor Market Information Department, the number of job listings in Texas for middle skills occupations exceeded 1 million in 2023. By 2030, a projected total of at least 6.7 million Texans – approximately 43.8% of total employment – will be employed in a middle skills occupation. The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund will help expand TWC’s resources for addressing employer demand in these middle skills occupations.
Information for this article was provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
