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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.
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:
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:
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:
The Self Sufficiency Fund provides access to training dollars that will lead to permanent employment opportunities.
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:
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.
The Self-Sufficiency Fund proposal package includes the following forms:
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.
Office of Employer Initiatives Outreach and Project Development Consultants