Gulf Coast Career Pathways
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Workforce Education and Literacy
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Registered Education Pathways
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Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative
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Catalog of Programs - Program Year 2025-2026
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Gulf Coast Workforce Board Newsletter
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.
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
| Name of Funding Source | Description of Funding Source | Relevant Links | Eligibility | Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-2027 Texas Regional Pathways Network Cohort 6 Grant | The specific purpose of this grant project is to convene a team, led by a pathways team facilitator, to implement high-quality career and education pathways aligned with regional labor market demand. The regional team will work together throughout the grant project to implement grant-funded activities and interventions that meet employers' needs within the targeted industry and provide the support students need to navigate pathways into the targeted industry. | LEAs and ESCs | 09/08/2025-11/07/2025 | TEA grants must be accessed via the TEA Grant Opportunity site linked. | |
2025-2026 Career and Technical Education, ESC Leadership Application | The ESC CTE Leadership program is designed to provide professional development and technical assistance to school systems in developing and implementing high quality CTE programs of study, providing quality work-based learning opportunities for students, and aligning CTE programs to the labor market. | ESCs interested in serving as leads for CTE programs of study technical support | 9/3/2025-11/03/2025 | TEA grants must be accessed via the TEA Grant Opportunity site linked. | |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | HB2 PREP Preservice Residency Program: The PREP Residency Preservice Program places paid teacher residents in classrooms led by experienced cooperating (host) teachers, allowing candidates to earn enhanced standard teaching certificates while gaining hands-on experience. This model strengthens instructional capacity, improves educator effectiveness, and increases student access to high-quality teaching. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | LEAs can apply for funding for up to 40 individuals in the amount of $24K-$39,5K. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/01/2025-12/01/2025 | *All school systems who want "light touch" technical assistance should select the box in the application process. All LASO Cycle 4 grants are stackable. Grants under this opportunity will be addressed outside of the typical TEA grant system. Funding begins SY '26-27 and two additional opportunities will be released for SY '27-'28. Rural and high-needs schools are eligible for funding multipliers for some awards. |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | HB2 PREP Grow Your Own Program: The PREP Grow Your Own (GYO) Program enables school systems, through partnering with qualified institutions of higher education and educator preparation programs, to establish innovative staffing pipelines that prepare and retain educators and thereby, increase student access to high-quality classroom teachers. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | LEAs can apply for funding for up to 40 individuals in the amount of $8K - $12K. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/01/2025-12/01/2025 | *All school systems who want "light touch" technical assistance should select the box in the application process. All LASO Cycle 4 grants are stackable. Grants under this opportunity will be addressed outside of the typical TEA grant system. Funding begins SY '26-27 and two additional opportunities will be released for SY '27-'28. Rural and high-needs schools are eligible for funding multipliers for some awards. |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | HB2 PREP Mentorship Program: The Preparing and Retaining Educators Through Partnership (PREP) Mentorship Program provides districts interested in implementing high-quality new teacher mentorship programs with funding to 1) provide, at minimum, a $1,000 stipend to the mentor teacher (per beginning teacher), 2) train all required district mentorship staff via the Texas Mentorship Training, and 3) provide release time for mentor teacher and beginning teacher mentoring activities. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | LEAs can apply for funding for up to 40 individuals in the amount of up to $3K per beginning teacher mentored. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/01/2025-12/01/2025 | *All school systems who want "light touch" technical assistance should select the box in the application process. All LASO Cycle 4 grants are stackable. Grants under this opportunity will be addressed outside of the typical TEA grant system. Funding begins SY '26-27 and two additional opportunities will be released for SY '27-'28. Rural and high-needs schools are eligible for funding multipliers for some awards. |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | Texas Strategic Staffing (TSS) for Residencies Grant: The Texas Strategic Staffing for Residencies Grant focuses on making staffing and scheduling decisions driven by immediate and long-term instructional needs. This is a two-year grant designed to provide in-kind technical assistance and other support to school systems* and educator preparation program (EPP) partnerships to design and implement paid, year-long, high-quality, and sustainable teacher residencies across school year (SY) 2026-27 and SY 2027-28. The grant provides partial funding for at least one school system staff member to oversee the program, including coordination between the school system, technical assistance provider, and EPP. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | LEAs who obtain a signed EPP verification form from each EPP partner with a state-approved Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route and should not be a recipient of the 2025-27 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant for Sustainable, Paid Teacher Residency Program or the 2024-2025 Sustainable Residency Continuation Grant. Awards are up to $58,400. ESCs are not eligible. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/02/2025-12/03/2025 | See the LASO Cycle 4 website for more information and application guidelines. This is a 2-year grant. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | Early College High School (ECHS): The Early College High School (ECHS) program offers campuses an opportunity to plan to build an Early College High School within their district. This program offers opportunities for campuses to provide targeted supports for underserved students through rigorous instruction and accelerated postsecondary courses and provide academic and wrap-around strategies that help students succeed in college-level coursework at no cost to the students. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | LEAs with an IHE partner who will provide dual credit opportunities to the ECHS academy students. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/02/2025-12/03/2025 | 2-year grant |
2025-2026 Learning Acceleration Supports Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 | 2026-2028 Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH): The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program is an open-enrollment initiative that offers campuses an opportunity to plan to build a P-TECH within their district. Designed to support underserved and at-risk students, P-TECH schools offer opportunities for students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously earning industry certifications, and/or an associate degree on or before the sixth anniversary of a student's first day of high school. The P-TECH program requires a campus to maintain a partnership with an institution of higher education (IHE) to provide dual credit opportunities to the P-TECH academy students and with a business/industry partner to provide work-based learning experiences. | LASO individual application links will be emailed to Superintendents on October 3, 2025. Please see the LASO website for more information. | Eligible applicants are Serving students in Grades 9-12; or Will begin serving students in Grade 9 or students in Grades 9 and 10 in the first year of implementation (2027-2028) and will progressively scale up by adding at least one grade level per year. All current P-TECH planning, provisional, or designated campuses are not eligible to apply. Must have an agreement with an IHE. More information can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/laso-cycle-4-grant-and-allotment-programs. | 10/03/2025-12/03/2025 | 2-year grant |
2025-2026 Texas Instructional Leadership Expansion Grant | The Texas Instructional Leadership Expansion Grant seeks to address instructional leadership skill-building across the state at both the district and campus levels. This grant program would allow Education Service Centers (ESCs) to attend training throughout the year on best practices in instructional leadership skill building while working with their peers and TEA on effective implementation of instructional leadership skill-building programs. Successful ESCs will be able to offer these services as approved providers to campuses designated as comprehensive or targeted schools under the federal accountability system. | ESCs willing to become an approved provider of these services are encouraged to apply. | 10/10/2025-12/09/2025 | TEA grants must be accessed via the TEA Grant Opportunity site linked. | |
2025-2026 Title V, Part B Rural and Low-Income School Program Grant Application | The purpose of the Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 Rural and Low-Income School Program Grant Application is to address the unique needs of rural school districts that frequently 1.) lack the personnel and resources needed to compete effectively for federal competitive grants; and 2.) receive formula allocations in amounts too small to be effective in meeting their intended purpose. | An LEA shall be eligible to receive Rural and Low-Income School funding if: 1) 20% or more of the children ages 5-17 years served by the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line; and 2) all of the schools served by the LEA are designated with a School Locale Code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43. | 9/15/2025-11/14/2025 | TEA grants must be accessed via the TEA Grant Opportunity site linked. | |
2025-2026 ESC Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Funding Grant | This grant provides funding to ESCs teams opting into Texas Strategic Leadership to become certified as a TSL Lead Coach and TSL Performance Management Data Specialist after completing the year-long training. | ESCs that have opted into the Texas Strategic Leadership initiative should apply. | 10/14/2025-11/13/2025 |
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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