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.

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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