The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has announced the availability of $6 million in funding through Upskill Texas, an initiative designed to help employers provide technical training to their current employees. The goal is to ensure Texas businesses have the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Upskill Texas offers financial support for employers that are:
- Expanding their operations
- Retooling their processes
- Introducing new services or product lines
- Experiencing organizational changes that could avert layoffs
Funding is made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) federal grant program.
Eligibility Requirements for Upskill Texas
To qualify for Upskill Texas funding, businesses must:
- Employ 100 or more workers located in Texas
- Provide a 50% employer match, which may include trainee wages and benefits
- Be a private, non-profit, for-profit business, or a public healthcare organization
Employers may also appoint a designee for the grant, such as a community or technical college, third-party trainer, or workforce development board.
Grant Amounts and Training Guidelines
- Project funding must range between $150,000 and $500,000
- Employers can receive up to $3,000 per trainee
- Training must be 100% technical in nature
How to Apply for Upskill Texas
Applications for Upskill Texas funding are due by June 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CT). Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and incomplete applications will be returned. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
To apply:
- Print and complete the Upskill Texas Application.
- Scan and email the completed form to UpskillTexas@twc.texas.gov.
- Submit the Detail Budget Form and Course Description Form to UpskillTexas@twc.texas.gov.
- If applying as a designee, submit an Attachment A for each employer represented.
For assistance with the application process, employers can contact their regional business liaison for guidance and technical support.
