New ASCEND Grant Offers Texas Employers Funding to Train Workforce

THE WOODLANDS, TX ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for the Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for New Development (ASCEND) grant program. The grants will help employers address new and evolving skill demands by training their current workforce.

This $5 million grant fund is an investment in the skills of working Texans to ensure the state’s businesses continue to respond to a competitive and thriving Texas economy. The program focuses on strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries including advanced manufacturing, information technology, aerospace/aviation and defense, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, and shipbuilding. Recognizing the need to revitalize a key industry, ASCEND is dedicating $1 million to support domestic shipbuilding. This funding will focus on training workers in essential skills such as welding, marine electrical engineering, and manufacturing.

Through ASCEND, employers receive customized training that addresses their business needs and conditions. Employers can be reimbursed up to $500,000 or $4,000 per trainee for approved training projects. Reimbursements are performance-based. To qualify, an employer must operate in Texas in one of the targeted industries and commit to upskilling current employees or training new hires. Training workers can improve retention rates and reduce hiring costs.

TWC is here to help employers build skills and transform their workforce. The agency can help candidates navigate the application process. Businesses are encouraged to apply early as complete applications will be reviewed in the order received, and funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The grants are funded through an Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund award Texas received from the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit the ASCEND homepage at www.twc.texas.gov/advancing-skills-capabilities-and-expertise-new-development-ascend or contact ascendquestions@twc.texas.gov. Find your regional business liaison at www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/wf/docs/eeco-map-twc.pdf.