Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for Next-Level Development (ASCEND)

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is proud to introduce the Advancing Skills, Capabilities, and Expertise for Next-Level Development (ASCEND) grant, a dynamic opportunity designed to help Texas businesses tap into and cultivate the talent within their workforce. This program provides outcomes-based reimbursement funds to employers for training that is responsive to rapidly evolving skill demands and local workforce conditions. ASCEND aims to strengthen the talent pipeline for key Texas industries, ensuring a competitive and thriving Texas economy by investing in the skills of Texas workers. 

Total Grant Funds Available: $5,000,000

Targeted Industries:

ASCEND is specifically targeted towards businesses operating Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Shipbuilding*, and Health Care. 

Shipbuilding Industry Focus:

Recognizing the critical need to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry, $1,000,000 of the $5,000,000 ASCEND grant is specifically dedicated to training workers in welding, marine electrical, manufacturing, and other skilled trades within the shipbuilding sector. To meet this requirement, the occupations must also be within the top 10 occupations listed below.

Eligible Occupations:

Training programs funded by ASCEND must focus on occupations in high demand within the targeted industries. Based on recent labor market data the following top 10 occupations (based on SOC Codes) are currently eligible.

Grant Award Details:

• Maximum Award Amount: Up to $500,000 per grantee.
• Maximum Reimbursement per Trainee: $4,000.
• Employer Match: Participating employers are required to contribute at least 20 percent of the total training costs.
• Reimbursement: TWC will reimburse employers up to 80 percent of the actual cost of a participant’s training. See the FAQ for reimbursement model. 
• Funding Uses: Funds can be used for training programs, work-based learning programs including on-the-job training, and apprenticeships. Allowable activities include classroom and virtual instruction.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to receive funding through the ASCEND program, employers must operate a business in Texas, commit to recruit and train new hires and/or upskill current employees and demonstrate a need for the skills training, including clear H-1B visa usage or potential usage information. See the FAQ for all eligibility requirements.

To be eligible to participate in training, an individual must be:

• A newly hired or incumbent worker, with an established employment history with the participating employer for a minimum of six months.
• At least 17 years old and not currently enrolled in secondary school.

How to Apply:

Applications begin March 1, 2026, and will be evaluated in the order they are received. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged, but incomplete applications will be returned. Application window will remain open until all funds are awarded. 

1. Download and complete the Texas Advancement of Professional Skills (ASCEND) application. 
2. Complete the Detail Budget Form.