Gulf Coast Career Pathways
-
Workforce Education and Literacy
-
Registered Education Pathways
-
Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative
-
Catalog of Programs - Program Year 2025-2026
-
Gulf Coast Workforce Board Newsletter
-
Gulf Coast Workforce Board Teacher Externship
-
Gulf Coast Workforce Board Teacher Internship
-
Hire Gulf Coast Youth (HGCY)
Gulf Coast Career Pathways
Building A Skilled and Resilient Workforce
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board’s commitment to developing career pathways is grounded in a holistic approach that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and supports the economic growth of the region. Through the collaborative efforts of our Workforce Education and Literacy programs, Registered Teacher Apprenticeship pathways, and Workforce Initiatives, we are creating accessible, aligned, and sustainable opportunities for individuals to gain the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers.
Together, these divisions form a comprehensive and strategic career pathways system. Whether an individual is building foundational skills through workforce education and literacy, entering the classroom through a teacher apprenticeship, or transitioning into a high-demand trade or technical career, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and its partners are committed to providing the support, structure, and opportunity necessary for success.
Our integrated approach reflects a deep investment in people, a commitment to economic vitality, and a shared vision of a stronger, more resilient Gulf Coast region.
Success Stories
San Jacinto College and Abacus Celebrate ESL Graduation Success
On April 9, 2025, San Jacinto College, in partnership with Abacus, proudly celebrated the graduation of 22 ESL students who demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout the program.
This milestone event was made possible through the leadership and support of:
- Dr. Sarah Percy Janes, Associate Vice Chancellor
- Dr. Janice Sullivan, Dean of Community Engagement
- Roberto Mendez, Director
- Yazmin Flores, Project Manager
Congratulations to our graduates and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to their success!
Workforce Education & Literacy (WEL)
The foundation of career advancement begins with education. Our Workforce Education and Literacy programs driven by apprenticeship provide critical services including English language instruction, digital literacy, and high school equivalency preparation. These offerings serve as an essential entry point for adult learners, equipping them with the core academic and workplace readiness skills needed to transition into postsecondary education, training, or direct employment. In alignment with the Gulf Coast Workforce Board’s strategic vision, workforce education and literacy services are integrated with workforce demands and credentialed training programs, creating clear, stackable pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
Registered Education Pathways
To address the growing need for qualified educators and diversify the talent pipeline, we have developed Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in partnership with school districts and higher education institutions. These paid, earn-and-learn opportunities allow aspiring teachers to gain practical classroom experience while completing required coursework toward certification. By reducing financial and academic barriers, this pathway not only strengthens the education workforce but also creates long-term, sustainable career opportunities for participants, many of whom emerge from the very communities they go on to serve.
Tri-Agency Workforce Initiatives
Our broader Workforce Initiatives are designed to respond dynamically to industry needs, expand access to training, and foster regional alignment. These initiatives focus on high-skill, high-growth sectors identified in the Gulf Coast region, offering training that leads to recognized credentials and meaningful employment. By leveraging labor market data, employer partnerships, and regional collaboration, we ensure that programs are responsive, relevant, and aligned with both current and future workforce demands.
Ignite: Explore Career Possibilities
With access to tools, resources, and real-world labor market data, you’ll learn about growing industries and the skills needed to succeed in them. Our Youth Career Advisors are here to guide you in discovering the right fit, planning your education, and taking those first steps toward a rewarding future.
Digital Equity Initiative
Overview
In today's digital age, access to technology and the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for full participation in society. However, disparities in digital access and literacy persist, creating a digital divide that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. To address this issue, we propose a comprehensive Digital Equity Initiative to bridge the gap and ensure that all individuals have equitable access to digital resources and opportunities.
Objective
- Promoting Universal Access: Our initiative seeks to expand access to affordable broadband internet and computing devices in underserved communities, ensuring all individuals have the tools to participate fully in the digital world.
- Empowering Digital Literacy: We aim to provide comprehensive digital literacy training programs tailored to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
- Fostering Inclusive Innovation: Our initiative will support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, including mentorship programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives targeted at underrepresented groups.
- Advocating for Policy Change: We will advocate for local, state, and federal policies that promote digital equity and address systemic barriers to access and opportunity.
Implementation
- Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify critical areas of need and prioritize initiatives based on community input and data-driven analysis.
- Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and technology companies to leverage resources and expertise in advancing digital equity goals.
- Program Development: Develop and implement targeted programs and interventions to address identified needs, including digital literacy training, community technology centers, and support for affordable internet access programs.
- Evaluation and Monitoring: Establish mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and monitoring to assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and make necessary adjustments to ensure we are achieving our goals.
Impact
Our initiative will transform individuals and communities by addressing the digital divide and promoting digital equity. By providing access to technology and digital skills training, we will empower individuals to access educational and employment opportunities, essential services, and participation fully in civic and community life.
Conclusion
In an increasingly digital world, ensuring equitable access to technology and the internet is essential for promoting social and economic opportunity for all. Our Digital Equity Initiative represents a bold and comprehensive approach to addressing the digital divide and creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can bridge the gap and unlock the full potential of technology to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Resources
2026-2027 Effective Advising Framework Planning Grant
| Offered By Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Description | The Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports school systems in developing and implementing an individual student planning system as part of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also promotes innovation in career and technical education, including the adoption and expansion of promising programs, particularly those aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries. The goal of this grant project is to provide interested school systems in each region with EAF coaching support and high-quality resources and tools to strengthen their advising systems and student outcomes. The project aims to identify, train, and designate EAF Coaches at the ESCs who will guide school systems through the EAF planning and implementation process. Finally, the project seeks to ensure that students graduate fully prepared for college, career, or military success, which in turn supports improved CCMR accountability ratings and increased outcome bonuses. |
| Amounts | Total Funding Available: $2,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: 20 Award: $100,000 No match required |
| Eligibility Requirements | Eligible applicants determined by regional ESC list |
| Application Deadline | 7/13/2026 |
| Contact | Brandi Fennell brandi.fennell@tea.texas.gov 512-463-9399 Lisa Gonzales lisa.gonzales@tea.texas.gov 512-463-8525 |
| Links | More Information |
2026-2027 Effective District Framework Accelerator Instructional Leadership Support Grant
| Offered By Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Description | EDFA is providing professional development to help school districts implement a school model that redefines an instructional, talent, and comprehensive outstanding student experience across the district to support principals and other school leaders. Initially focusing on the campus leaders at campuses that need the most support in these areas and then ensuring that the district can effectively lead all campuses in these areas over the course of multiple years. These grant funds serve the purpose of supporting the district and particularly instructional leaders including principals and principal managers, as it relates to instruction, talent, and an outstanding and consistent student experience to prepare all students to meet the challenging State academic standards. |
| Amounts | Total Funding Available: $6,821,918 Expected Number of Awards: 4 Minimum Award: $855,192 Maximum Award: $3,493,680 No match required |
| Eligibility Requirements | Eligible applicants determined by TEA eligibility list |
| Application Deadline | 7/6/2026 |
| Contact | Patricia Salgado patricia.salgado@tea.texas.gov 512-463-9715 Carlos Garza carlos.garza@tea.texas.gov 512-463-8525 |
| Links | More Information |
2026-2027 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application
| Offered By Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Description | Title I, Part A provides supplemental resources to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families acquire the knowledge and skills in the state content standards and to meet the state student performance standards. Title I, Part C provides supplemental instructional and support services for migrant students and out of school migrant youth. Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 provides supplemental services to children in state facilities for neglected or delinquent children to acquire the knowledge and skills in the state content standards and state student performance standards. Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 supports programs to improve the educational services to children residing in facilities for delinquent children to acquire the knowledge and skills in the state content standards and state student performance standards. Title II, Part A is to increase student achievement through improving teacher and principal quality and increasing the number of highly qualified teachers in classrooms and highly qualified principals in schools. Title III, Part A ELA is to develop programs for limited English proficient students to attain English proficiency, develop high levels of academic attainment, and meet the state content standards and student achievement standards. Title III, Part A Immigrant is to develop programs for immigrant children to attain English proficiency, develop high levels of academic attainment, and meet the state content standards and student achievement standards. Title IV, Part A - SSAEP is to improve students' academic achievement by providing all students with access to a well-rounded education; improve school conditions for student learning; and improve the use of technology. |
| Amounts | Total Funding Available: $2,183,139,881 (formula allocation) |
| Eligibility Requirements | Public school districts and charters |
| Application Deadline | 9/3/2026 |
| Contact | ESSA contacts ESSAsupport@tea.texas.gov 512-463-8525 |
| Links | More Information |
2026-2027 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) Planning and Expansion Grant
| Offered By Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Description | The Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program is designed to expand rural students’ access to high-quality college and career pathways through structured, multi-district partnerships. The program supports regional collaboration among eligible school systems, coordinating entities, and postsecondary or workforce partners to design, implement, and sustain aligned pathways that respond to regional needs and support successful student transitions beyond high school and to promote long-term capacity, accountability, and outcomes. |
| Amounts | Total Funding Available: $2,600,000.00 Expected Number of Awards: 15 Minimum Award: 150,000.00 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Eligible applicants are Coordinating Entities of current R-PEPs in good standing |
| Application Deadline | 6/17/2026 |
| Contact | Tracie Ezell tracie.ezell@tea.texas.gov 512-463-8788 |
| Links | More Information |
2026-2028 Local Accountability Plan Grant Application
| Offered By Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Description | The Local Accountability Systems is a district-wide initiative through which districts and open-enrollment charter schools develop a plan to evaluate the performance of their campuses locally. Local Accountability Systems seek to engage the community and district in establishing locally relevant accountability measures, provide parents, families, and communities with detail information about local school performance and progress over time, and continuously improve student performance and preparedness for post-secondary success. |
| Amounts | Total Funding Available: $3,400,000.00 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Public school districts and charters |
| Application Deadline | 6/26/2026 |
| Contact | Melanie Robinson melanie.robinson@tea.texas.gov 512-463-8788 |
| Links | More Information |
Career Exploration Internship Initiative
| Offered By Agency | Texas Workforce Commission |
| Description | The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to offer Career Exploration Internships to provide opportunities for a variety of jobs in diverse industries. Eligible Applicants1) a public junior college in Texas (as defined by Texas Education Code § 61.003(2));2) a public technical institute in Texas (as defined by Texas Education Code § 61.003(7));3) a public state college in Texas (as defined by Texas Education Code § 61.003(16));4) a general academic teaching institution (as defined by Texas Education Code § 61.003(3); and5) a Texas Independent School District (ISD) or Charter School. A Texas ISD or Charter School must partner with a Board to receive grant funds through the Career Exploration Internships program. Public junior colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges, and general academic teaching institutions are exempt from this requirement. |
| Amounts | Estimated Grant Amount: $750,000.00 Expected Number of Awards: 5 Minimum Award: $50,000.00 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Charter School Higher Education - Public School - K-12 Public |
| Application Deadline | 11/9/2026 |
| Contact | Mary Helen Nuñez-Wallace RFAgrants@twc.texas.gov 512-936-4292 |
| Links | More Information |
College Credit for Heroes
| Offered By Agency | Texas Workforce Commission |
| Description | The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of seven hundred, fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to award grants to Texas Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) for the implementation of College Credit for Heroes programs. |
| Amounts | Maximum Award: $200,000.00 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Higher Education - Private Higher Education - Public |
| Application Deadline | 8/3/2026 5:00 PM |
| Contact | Zen Van Loan swi.board.applications@twc.texas.gov 512-936-4292 |
| Links | More Information |
Comprehensive Centers Program (84.283B)
| Offered By Agency | U.S. Department of Education - OESE |
| Description | Discretionary grant supporting national, regional, and content centers to improve education outcomes. The Comprehensive Centers program supports the establishment of Comprehensive Centers (CCs) to provide capacity-building services to State educational agencies (SEAs), regional educational agencies (REAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools that improve educational opportunities and outcomes, close achievement gaps, and improve the quality of instruction for all students, and particularly for groups of students with the greatest need, including students from low-income families and students attending schools implementing comprehensive support and improvement or targeted or additional targeted support and improvement activities under section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). Each Comprehensive Center must develop a 5-year plan for carrying out authorized activities. The plan of each center is developed to address the educational challenges facing students, practitioners, and education system leaders, as well as priorities established by the Department and the States. Each center has an advisory board, with representation from SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, educators, administrators, policymakers, researchers, and business representatives, that advises the center on: (1) allocation of resources, (2) strategies for monitoring and addressing the region's educational needs (or the Nation's needs in the case of national and content centers), (3) maintaining a high standard of quality in the performance of its activities, and (4) carrying out the center's activities in a manner that promotes progress toward improving student academic achievement. |
| Amounts | Estimated Total Grant Funding: $48,500,000 Expected Number of Awards: 19 Award Ceiling: $6,500,000 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Consortia For-Profit Individuals IHEs Non-Profits |
| Application Deadline | 6/30/2026 11:59 PM EDT |
| Contact | Dr. Michelle Daley OESE.ComprehensiveCenters@ed.gov 202-987-1057 |
| Links | More Information |
Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program (84.423A)
| Offered By Agency | U.S. Department of Education - OESE |
| Description | Discretionary grant to support effective educator development. The purpose of the SEED program is to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of Evidence-Based practices that prepare, develop, or enhance the skills of educators. These grants will allow eligible applicants to develop, expand, and evaluate practices that can serve as models to be sustained and disseminated. The SEED program also encourages the use of rigorous evidence in selecting and implementing interventions to support educators' development across the continuum of their careers. |
| Amounts | Estimated Total Grant Funding: $90,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: 25-30 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Consortia For-Profit HBCUs IHEs MSIs Non-Profits TCCUs |
| Application Deadline | 6/1/2026 11:59 PM EDT |
| Contact | Orman Feres orman.feres@ed.gov 202-453-6921 |
| Links | More Information |
Teacher Quality Partnership Program (84.336S)
| Offered By Agency | U.S. Department of Education - OESE |
| Description | Discretionary grant to improve teacher preparation through partnerships. The purpose of the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program is to improve student achievement; improve the quality of prospective and new teachers by improving teacher preparation and enhancing professional development to hold teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs) accountable for preparing teachers who meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements; and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching force. The TQP program also supports the use of Registered Apprenticeships as a high-quality, work-based learning pathway for preparing and credentialing new teachers based on demonstrated skill and merit, particularly in high-need schools and subject areas experiencing teacher shortages. |
| Amounts | Estimated Total Grant Funding: $70,000,000 Expected Number of Awards: 7-10 Award Ceiling: 2,000,000 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Consortia IHEs LEAs SEAs |
| Application Deadline | 6/23/2026 11:59 PM EDT |
| Contact | Mia Howerton TQPartnerships@ed.gov 202-205-0147 |
| Links | More Information |
Partnerships
Our community partnerships are foundational to advancing equitable educational outcomes and expanding access to opportunity for all learners. By collaborating with school districts, colleges, universities, service centers, non-profits, foundations, and workforce and corporate partners, we create a comprehensive support network that empowers students from early education through postsecondary success and into meaningful careers.
These partnerships are strategically aligned to:
- Strengthen academic pathways through aligned K–12 and higher education initiatives.
- Support college and career readiness with targeted advising, mentoring, and technical assistance.
- Enhance educator preparation and development through collaboration with teacher training programs and service centers.
- Promote equity and inclusion by addressing systemic barriers and supporting underserved communities.
- Foster economic mobility through workforce development and financial empowerment initiatives.
Together, these partnerships form a robust ecosystem that drives innovation, supports student achievement, and builds stronger communities.
School Districts
- Aldine Independent School District
- Alief Independent School District
- Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District
- Deer Park Independent School District
- Dickinson Independent School District
- Fort Bend Independent School District
- Friendswood Independent School District
- Galena Park Independent School District
- Galveston Independent School District
- Houston Independent School District
- Katy Independent School District
- Klein Independent School District
- Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
- New Waverly Independent School District
- Pasadena Independent School District
- Royal Independent School District
- Sheldon Independent School District
- Spring Independent School District
- Tomball Independent School District
Colleges
- Brazosport Community College
- Dallas College
- Houston Community College
- Lee College
- Lone Star College
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- San Jacinto Community College
- Texas Woman's University
- University of Houston – Downtown
- University of Houston – Main Campus
- Wharton County Junior College
Digital Literacy
- Aztec
- Burlington English
Education Service Centers
- Region 4 Education Service Center
- Region 6 Education Service Center
Higher Education, Non-Profits, College Readiness & Technical Support
- Avance Houston
- Buckner
- Edwell
- Huntsville Public Library
- New Waverly Public Library
- Odyssey Academy
- Teach4Houston
- US Prep
Private Foundations
- Charles Butt Foundation
- Houston Endowment
Workforce Development/Community-Based Educational Collaborators
- Dwyer Workforce Development and Greater Houston Affiliates
- Grundfos
- Hempstead Recreation Center
- Houston Gulf Coast Building & Trades Council
- Huntsville Housing Authority
- Project LEARN (Let’s Eliminate At-Risk Needs)
- Smart Horizons Career Online Education (Career Online High School)
- Tenaris Bay City, Inc
Corporate Philanthropy, Financial Empowerment & Economic Development
- Disrupt Gives
- Houston Gulf Coast Building & Trades Council
- JP Morgan Chase
- Lennar Builders