TWC Adult Education Funding Helps Texans Get High School Equivalency

Texas Workforce Commission • March 9, 2021
A group of people are sitting around a table with laptops.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is offering aid to Texans seeking to obtain their Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency (or TXCHSE), improve their marketability in the workforce, and increase their earning potential. The high school equivalency subsidy program provides free subsidies for Texans at least 21 years of age to take a GED or HiSET exam. While existing adult education and literacy (AEL) programs support adult learners to prepare to take a high school equivalency test, they do not cover the costs of taking a test. This program does that.


“Administrative costs should not be barriers for students who have a willingness to succeed and commit to continuing their education,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These new funds will help students cross the finish line and improve their opportunities in the workforce.”


Adult education and literacy programs funded by TWC provide English language, math, reading, and writing instruction to help students acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency, or enter college or career training. Recent analysis shows that a significant number of unemployed Texans impacted by the pandemic do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent.


“Workers in adult ed programs often joined the workforce early and missed education opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “These are hard workers have a gap in their education that can be limiting. These programs help them fill that gap and position them to reach their full potential.”


The subsidy program does not require participants to be enrolled in a TWC-affiliated AEL program, though people in these programs may receive priority. TWC works with a variety of providers to help provide adult education and literacy coursework. Interested persons can find providers close to them here: https://tcall.tamu.edu/search.aspx


“Texas is known for our diversified world-class workforce, and this includes those who are participating in our adult education programs,” said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “This new effort will help continue to grow our workforce and provide AEL students with an easier access to education as well as a great way to improve their resume.”


This year, TWC is participating in the “Move Ahead with Adult Ed” campaign sponsored by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and the National Association of Directors of Adult Education. The effort is designed to help adult education programs market services to adult learners.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
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