Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for New Development (ASCEND)

The Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for New Development (ASCEND) grant will reimburse employers for training that addresses demand for rapidly evolving skills and local workforce conditions.  

This program is designed to help strengthen the talent pipeline for key industries.

ASCEND provides financial support for employers that are: 

• Training employees in high-demand industries.
• Addressing critical industry workforce shortages.
• Implementing advanced manufacturing processes.
• Developing specialized technical skills.

ASCEND targets businesses operating in:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Information Technology
• Aerospace
• Aviation and Defense
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Nuclear Energy
• Healthcare
• Shipbuilding

Recognizing the critical need to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry, funding has been set aside specifically to train workers in the shipbuilding sector. This includes training for welding, marine electrical engineering, manufacturing, and other skilled trades within the shipbuilding sector.

Eligibility

To be eligible for ASCEND program funding, employers must:

• Operate a business in Texas.
• Commit to recruiting and training new employees and/or upskilling current employees.
• Demonstrate a clear need for skills training, including information on current or potential H-1B visa usage.
• Contribute at least 20% of the training costs. TWC will reimburse employers up to 80% of the participant’s actual training cost.

To participate in training funded by the ASCEND program, an individual must:

• Be a newly hired or incumbent worker who has at least six months of employment history with the participating employer.
• Be at least 17 years old and not currently enrolled in secondary school.

Each grantee may receive up to $500,000 or a maximum reimbursement of $4,000 per trainee. Funds can be used for work-based learning programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and classroom or virtual instruction.

How to Apply

The application window is open. Applications will be evaluated in the order they are received. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged. Incomplete applications will be returned. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.  

Download and complete the application.  

Complete the Detail Budget Form.