Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative
Workforce Education and LiteracyA Regional Partnership for Education and Workforce Alignment
Access to career pathways is essential for middle and high school students, as early decisions can shape lifelong opportunities. The Gulf Coast Workforce Board launched the Gulf Coast Workforce Initiative to ensure students across our 13-county region have clear, structured routes from education to meaningful employment.
Serving more than 7 million people, 25% of Texas’ population, the Gulf Coast region includes 88 school districts, 10 universities, 4 health science centers, and 18 community college campuses. While resource-rich, the region often lacks coordinated systems. The GCWB is addressing this by convening regional partners, schools, higher education, employers, local governments, nonprofits, and philanthropy, to build a more connected pathways network.
We are currently focused on high-growth sectors like healthcare, education, and construction, where partnerships already exist to support students through career exploration, training, and apprenticeships. Our mission is to align efforts across K-12, post-secondary, and industry to ensure students graduate with skills, experience, and networks that prepare them for success.
The Gulf Coast Workforce Initiative has become part of our core work. By integrating work-based learning into education, we’re helping individuals build career readiness and social capital, supporting both personal opportunity and the economic vitality of the Gulf Coast region.
A Strategy for Regional Alignment
With 88 school districts, 18 community college campuses, and a growing, diverse population, the Gulf Coast region requires coordinated efforts. The Workforce Board leads this work by aligning career education, training, and employment systems to meet regional needs and support long-term economic growth.
Our Focus Areas
- Expanding access to high-quality, work-based learning
- Supporting teacher apprenticeship and CTE alignment
- Improving credential pathways for students and adult learners
- Engaging employers to shape responsive programs
- Advancing equity by addressing access and outcome gaps
Turning Collaboration Into Action
Tri-Agency convenings are a key part of this work, bringing educators, employers, and students together to design solutions. Events like the 2025 Regional Convener Conference gives students hands-on experiences with career pathways in high-demand industries like healthcare, construction, IT, and education.
Long-Term Impact
This initiative is building a more inclusive, aligned education and workforce system. Through shared data, stronger partnerships, and a focus on equity, we are helping individuals access meaningful careers and preparing the region for future growth.
January 29, 2025 | The Ion - Houston
Empowering the Next Generation: 2025 Conference Unites Over 430 Students Across the Gulf Coast
The 2025 Regional Convener Conference, held on January 29, was a resounding success, uniting over 430 students from across the Gulf Coast region for a full day of professional development, career exploration, and networking. Led by Regional Educational Convener Roderick Peoples under the direction of Danielle Knotts, the conference provided tailored programming aimed at equipping students with tools to chart successful career paths.
A Day of Purposeful Engagement
The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Juliet Stipeche, setting a positive and encouraging tone for the day. Students from Willis ISD, Houston ISD, Galveston ISD, Spring ISD, and homeschool programs attended, reflecting a broad and diverse student body committed to career readiness.
Participants began with two impactful breakout sessions:
- Self-Discovery & Personal Mission: Students engaged in reflective activities and career assessments to better understand their strengths, values, and passions. They were guided in crafting their personal mission statements and developing career goals aligned with their identities.
- Professional Presence & Career Readiness: This session covered resume and LinkedIn profile building, interview attire and communication skills, and the importance of maintaining a professional digital footprint.
Inspiration from Industry Leaders
A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Andre’a Streeter, a leader at Microsoft. Sharing her journey from designing systems for NASA’s International Space Station to leading global strategy for Microsoft Azure, Andre’a inspired students to pursue careers in STEM, emphasized the importance of diversity in tech, and encouraged perseverance in fast-evolving industries.
Students also gained a deeper understanding of regional economic trends through a presentation by Parker Harvey, Manager of Regional Economic Analysis at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB). His walkthrough of the HSHG Tableau Dashboard illustrated the demand for sustainable career paths in high-growth sectors across the region.
Connecting Students with Opportunity
The conference also spotlighted the Hire Gulf Coast Youth initiative, presented by Jalil and LaToya, which connects students with job opportunities and local employers. Their in-depth overview sparked student interest and highlighted clear, actionable steps toward employment.
The Employer Panel was another pivotal component, featuring:
- Lacy Wolf, Construction and Building Trades Liaison, GCWB
- Melissa Steinmetz, Health Care Life Sciences Principal Liaison, GCWB
- Amber Jefferson, IT Principal Liaison, GCWB
- Moderated by Crosby Brito
Panelists provided insights into workforce trends and career pathways in healthcare, construction, IT, and manufacturing, helping students visualize their place in these vital industries.
Facilitating Growth Through Guidance and Engagement
Key facilitators Jessica Savala, Community Engagement Coordinator, and William McQueen, Community Engagement Facilitator, played a central role in leading student discussions and breakout sessions. Their efforts helped foster an engaging, supportive environment where students could explore, connect, and grow.
A Unified Vision for the Future
With 433 confirmed attendees, the 2025 Regional Convener Conference successfully brought together a diverse cohort of students and professionals, united by a shared commitment to career development and workforce alignment. Through engaging sessions, real-world insights, and meaningful connections, the event provided students with the confidence and tools to take the next steps toward a promising future.
The success of the conference reflects the collective effort of educators, workforce leaders, and industry professionals working together to build a stronger, more connected Gulf Coast region—where every student is empowered to succeed.
June 9–14, 2024 | Rice University, Houston, TX
Summer Work-Based Learning Program at Rice University Connects Students to High-Demand Careers
75 high school students from across Texas participated in the Summer Work-Based Learning: Convener Summer Program—a transformative, week-long residential experience at Rice University focused on exploring high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, and education.
Hosted in partnership by the Texas Education Agency, Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Workforce Solutions, and the Rice University Tapia Center, the program offered students a rare opportunity to live on campus, engage with professionals, and gain firsthand exposure to real-world career paths through industry site visits, hands-on activities, and leadership development.
Out of more than 300 applicants, 75 rising freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were selected to attend. All students received free room and board, meals, transportation, and supplies—and those who completed the program were awarded a $500 stipend in recognition of their commitment and participation.
Program Highlights: A Week of Career Exploration
Sunday, June 9 – Welcome & Orientation
Students checked into the Rice campus and kicked off the week with team-building activities and an overview of what to expect.
Monday, June 10 – Career Exploration & Project-Based Learning
Students explored regional high-growth industries and began collaborative projects designed to deepen their understanding of career pathways.
Tuesday, June 11 – Healthcare Day
Visits to Methodist Hospitals, HCC Coleman College, and a panel with professionals from MD Anderson provided students with insight into medical careers and health systems operations.
Wednesday, June 12 – Building & Construction Day
Students explored the trades through immersive visits to the Pipefitters Union, Electrical Union, Houston METRO apprenticeship facility, and the Houston Ship Channel.
Thursday, June 13 – Education & Technology Day
Students explored emerging roles in education and tech, attending panels with educators and program leaders, and touring the ION innovation hub, HCC AI Lab, and Rice’s Kinder Institute.
Students presented their weeklong projects, celebrated their accomplishments, and received certificates of completion and $500 stipends in a special closing ceremony.
A Launchpad for the Future
The success of the Summer Work-Based Learning Program was made possible by the dedication of educators, employers, and program staff who worked behind the scenes to coordinate logistics, ensure student support, and deliver a seamless, high-impact experience.
January 31, 2024 | The Ion - Houston
Reimagine Education and Workforce Alignment
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, educators, workforce professionals, industry leaders, and community partners from across the Gulf Coast region convened at The Ion in Houston for the inaugural Regional Education Convener Conference. This first-of-its-kind gathering, hosted by the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, aimed to strengthen collaboration between education and workforce systems and align regional efforts to better prepare young people for high-demand careers.
A Day of Insight, Innovation, and Collaboration
The event began with a networking breakfast, setting the stage for a day full of shared insights and strategic conversations. Attendees quickly engaged in meaningful dialogue around the region's challenges and opportunities in career readiness and workforce development.
At 9:30 a.m., Juliet Stipeche, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, welcomed attendees with opening remarks that underscored the importance of regional coordination and innovation in education-to-career pathways—particularly in high-growth sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology.
Participants were then invited to explore The Ion, Houston’s innovation hub, during a guided tour, while others attended a concurrent Youth & Career Services Presentation. This session shared best practices in student engagement and workforce preparation programs that support long-term career success.
Industry Panels and Practical Tools
The morning continued with the Career Exploration & Apprenticeship Panel, moderated by the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and featuring insights from:
- Paul Puente – Gulf Coast Workforce Board
- Carla Thompson – Turner Construction
- Erica Castro – HCA Healthcare
Panelists highlighted the value of industry-education partnerships in expanding access to apprenticeships and hands-on career experiences for students.
This was followed by a Career Exploration Demo led by Parker Harvey, showcasing tools and technology that help students navigate labor market trends and explore viable career pathways.
Focused Workshops and Data-Driven Dialogue
In the afternoon, attendees engaged in the ALICE Workshop presented by United Way, which addressed the unique needs of Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals. The session focused on how schools and workforce systems can implement supports that meaningfully impact low-income working families.
A key data-focused highlight of the day was the GAP Analysis Presentation, delivered by Dr. Horn and Cami Anderson of ThirdWay Solutions. The session took a deep dive into disparities between education outcomes and labor market demands, sparking conversations around strategic alignment and regional solutions.
Fostering Innovation Through Entrepreneurship
The day concluded with a powerful Entrepreneurship Panel, featuring CTE students and educators who shared their experiences fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in the classroom. Their stories underscored the need for adaptability and innovation in preparing students for evolving industries.
A Launchpad for Regional Change
The 1st Regional Education Convener Conference was more than a one-day event it was the beginning of a movement toward stronger alignment between education systems and workforce needs. By convening leaders from K-12, higher education, industry, and community organizations, the conference laid the foundation for impactful partnerships and regional transformation.
As participants departed The Ion, they left with new ideas, valuable connections, and a shared commitment to equipping the next generation for success in a dynamic, opportunity-filled economy.