“The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to not only developing a world-class talent pipeline but also bridging the gap between education and economic development.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded eight grants totaling more than $1.3 million to local workforce development boards (Boards) through the Texas Internship Initiative (TII). The Boards will use these grants to support local partnerships that foster new, paid internship opportunities for students, recent college graduates, and transitioning service members.
“The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to not only developing a world-class talent pipeline but also bridging the gap between education and economic development,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Internship Initiative ensures employers have the resources they need to host interns, creating valuable work-based learning opportunities that help students succeed in the workforce.”
The TII grant program focuses on internships in middle skills STEM occupations and target industry sectors. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the initiative prepares young Texans for careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, education, and other targeted sectors. Participants earn industry-based certifications while receiving wages or stipends. The funding also enables Boards to address local labor market conditions.
“These eight grants represent a commitment to the hardworking Texans who are the backbone of our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By fostering local partnerships that offer paid, hands-on training, we are helping students and transitioning service members across the state secure their futures and build successful careers right here in Texas.”
Initially launched in 2019, the TII program was expanded in 2025 to support internship opportunities for new college graduates and transitioning service members. For the 2026 grant cycle, the program’s list of eligible applicants was also expanded to include education service centers.
“To keep the Texas economy thriving, we must ensure young Texans in every corner of the state are prepared to meet growing demand for key skills,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “This $1.3 million supports regional solutions to workforce needs and builds a talent pipeline across both rural communities and major metro areas.”
The 2026 TII grant recipients are:
- Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend: $197,157 to place 24 P-TECH Academy graduates from rural and urban districts in STEM and healthcare internships.
- Workforce Solutions Cameron: $200,000 to place 50 interns in biotech, energy evolution, and advanced manufacturing in partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
- Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas: $118,488 to create 20 internships for Dallas College students in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development program.
- Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas: $176,188 to place 40 participants in internships for healthcare (LVN/MA) and construction equipment operation.
- Houston-Galveston Area Council: $200,000 to launch an educator internship for 20 Sam Houston State University students serving as math tutors and intervention specialists.
- Workforce Solutions Borderplex: $200,000 to place 50 interns in innovation and entrepreneurship roles in partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso’s Mike Loya Center.
- Workforce Solutions of Central Texas: $200,000 to place 35 participants in IT and healthcare (MRI) internships, with a focus on foster youth.
- Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas: $94,230 to place 18 high school juniors and seniors in welding internships leading to American Welding Society certifications.
The Texas Internship Initiative is part of TWC’s statewide effort to connect Texas employers with motivated students to build a skilled future workforce. In April, TWC launched the new and improved Texas Intern Network, which is Texas’ one-stop shop for internships. For more information on Texas Intern Network and other internship resources, visit www.twc.texas.gov/tin.
