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Overview
The Self Sufficiency Fund provides training grants to community and technical colleges and community-based organizations 501(c )(3) who delivers occupational training that must lead to an acceptable industry recognized certification for adult recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or individuals who are At-Risk of becoming dependent on public assistance, who are: Individuals who are a members of a SNAP household with dependent children; TANF applicants referred to a Workforce Board contractor by the Department of Human Services, or are parents including a non-custodial parent, who make less than $37,000 annually.
How the Self Sufficiency Fund Works
Eligible training providers applying for a grant may include nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, Texas public community or technical colleges, or the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Training providers must:
- Gain letters of support from local businesses indicating support of job skills training to be offered in project
- Work closely with the local Workforce Development Board to assist with identifying eligible participants
- Complete and submits grant application to TWC
- Coordinate and deliver training
- Administer the grant
The Self-Sufficiency Fund pays for curriculum development, instructor fees and certifications, training materials, certain work-related expenses for trainees and some training equipment. Applicants may receive up to $500,000 per proposal.
Training must be provided in one of the following industry clusters. Training may be for core, ancillary or support occupations that establishes a career path toward higher-level occupations.
Target Industry Clusters are:
- Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Construction
- Logistics
- Transportation
- Energy
- Information and Computer Technology
- Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products
Training can be delivered through a variety of methods including classroom, simulations, online instruction, and on-the-job instruction.
TWC accepts project proposal submissions throughout the year for training programs that typically last for 12 months.
Collaboration between training providers, businesses, and Workforce Development Boards is required. Efforts may include:
- Letters of support from the local business indicating the number of job openings and support of job skills training being offered in the project
- Endorsement of the project from the Workforce Development Board
- Contributions from other resources that are committed to the project
Program Benefits
The Self Sufficiency Fund provides access to training dollars that will lead to permanent employment opportunities.
- Businesses fill entry to mid-level positions with candidates trained to fill high demand occupations and businesses become more competitive resulting in a strengthened Texas economy
- Participants attain an occupational skill for high demand occupations and receive an industry recognized certification that will result in becoming independent of public assistance
- College partners that participate in the Self Sufficiency Fund training are economic development leaders in their communities
How TWC Helps
A team of experts from TWC’s Office of Employer Initiatives provides technical assistance at no charge to help streamline Self Sufficiency Fund project development. The Outreach and Project Development Consultants work directly with grant applicants and training providers, Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners throughout the development of the project to ensure that participants receive specific, customized training that is required for occupations.
Outreach and Project Development Consultants assist grant applicants and training providers by:
- Developing quality proposals
- Reviewing proposal draft documents prior to formal submission
- Formalize collaboration with the Workforce Development Boards and grant applicants
Local Partnerships
Workforce Development Boards and their Workforce Solutions Offices throughout Texas play a key role in determining screening, recruiting and identifying eligible participants, as well as providing support services for trainees.
To ensure that projects are aligned with local economic development goals, Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners can provide applicants with labor market statistics and local industry trends.
Self-Sufficiency Fund Forms
The Self-Sufficiency Fund proposal package includes the following forms:
- Proposal Submission Guidelines/Application Form
- Workforce Development Board Review and Comment Form or
- Budget Detail Form
or - Financial Management System Questionnaire
Grant “Big Check” Presentations
Recent recipient of a Skills Development Fund, (JET), Self Sufficiency Grant (SSF), High Demand Jobs Training (HDJT), Dual Credit or Texas Industry Partnership grant and interested in hosting a big check presentation? Review guidelines, download required forms and plan your upcoming event.
Additional Information
- Texas Administrative Code Title 40, Part XX, Chapter 835. Self-Sufficiency Fund (State Agency Rules)
- Texas Labor Code, Chapter 309 Self-Sufficiency Fund
- Learner Outcome Tracking System (LOTS)
TWC’s tracking system for eligible grantees/administrators to upload trainee performance data - Texas Comptroller's Regional Outlook
- Texas Economic Development Council
- Labor Market and Career Information
- WorkInTexas.com
- Office of the Governor - Economic Development
Contact Information
Office of Employer Initiatives Outreach and Project Development Consultants
- Call: 877-463-1777
- Email:
customizedtraining.solutions@
twc.texas.gov
Forms
- The Self Sufficiency Fund proposal package includes the following items:
- Proposal Submission Guidelines/Application Form
- Workforce Development Board Review and Comment Form or
- Budget Detail Form or
- Financial Management System Questionnaire
