Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education Grant Program

The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education Grant Program is administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a state agency responsible for aligning higher education with workforce needs across Texas. The program was established by the Texas Legislature and is funded through state appropriations, including a 25 million allocation for the 2026 to 2027 biennium. It builds on prior legislative efforts to strengthen workforce development and is governed by provisions in the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code. The program reflects a statewide strategy to expand access to high value postsecondary credentials that lead to improved employment outcomes and higher wages. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support public lower division institutions of higher education in developing, revising, or expanding short term career and technical education programs that respond to high demand occupations. These programs must be six months or less in duration and lead to industry recognized credentials or certificates of value. Projects must be designed in collaboration with workforce partners such as employers, workforce boards, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations. The goal is to rapidly deploy training programs that allow individuals to reskill or upskill and transition into occupations that provide sustainable wages. Funding under this program is awarded competitively through a request for applications process. Grant awards may reach up to 500000 for single institutions and up to 800000 for consortium applications. Approximately 20 awards are anticipated. Funds may be used for a range of allowable activities including curriculum development, instructional equipment, faculty hiring, student financial aid, marketing, and data reporting. However, funds are restricted from covering indirect costs, construction, general purpose technology, and other non program related expenses. Equipment and facilities expenditures are capped at 50 percent of the total project budget and must be justified as necessary to support program implementation. Eligibility is limited to public lower division institutions of higher education in Texas, including junior colleges, state colleges, and technical colleges. Applications may also be submitted by consortia of these institutions or in partnership with workforce entities, although the higher education institution must serve as the primary fiscal agent. Applicants may submit up to two applications, one as an individual institution and one as part of a consortium. Projects must demonstrate alignment with regional labor market needs and include evidence of employer engagement, workforce demand, and anticipated employment outcomes for participants. The application process requires submission through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s online grants management system. Applications must be complete, include all required documentation and signatures, and be submitted electronically by the stated deadline. Required components include project narratives, budgets, activity plans, and letters of support from workforce partners. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as program alignment with workforce needs, quality of project design, institutional capacity, and alignment of funding with project goals. Additional points may be awarded for proposals that include new programs, employment transition plans, or minimal reliance on equipment expenditures. Key dates for the 2026 cycle include the release of the request for applications on July 23, 2026, an inquiry deadline of September 4, 2026, and a final application deadline of September 9, 2026. Award notifications are expected in October 2026, with the grant period beginning on December 1, 2026 and ending on December 1, 2028. Awardees are required to submit periodic performance and financial reports throughout the grant period and must meet specified milestones, including program approval and instructional launch deadlines. The program does not require a matching contribution, but grantees must ensure funds supplement rather than replace existing resources. Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and compliance with state grant management standards are mandatory. The program is not recurring in a formal annual sense but may be reissued depending on legislative appropriations. For questions, applicants are directed to contact the TRUE grant program team via email, with designated staff serving as official points of contact for inquiries and clarifications.

Align program to high demand occupations with labor market data; secure strong employer partnerships with formal agreements; prioritize new programs and measurable employment outcomes; minimize equipment budget to gain bonus points