Best Vocational Rehab Grants in Texas

Texas nonprofit organizations offering workforce development, adult education, or vocational and trade education may be eligible for Impact Grants supporting economic opportunity and financial well-being. Focus areas include affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, workforce development and entrepreneurship, and financial literacy and adult education, with funding provided through First National Bank of Omaha’s Impact Grant Program.

Texas students pursuing vocational or trade education can access funding through Communities Foundation of Texas’ LIFE Association Trade Scholarship Fund. Graduating seniors and past graduates with a Texas diploma or GED and at least a 2.5 GPA may receive up to US $5,000 for tuition, fees, books, and equipment at accredited community colleges or nonprofit trade schools.

Students pursuing manufacturing-related vocational or trade education in Texas can receive up to US $2,000 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and required tools or PPE. With a mission to support manufacturing careers, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International gives preference to applicants attending universities in north Texas who meet GPA and enrollment requirements.

Graduating high school seniors in Lubbock ISD pursuing vocational, trade, or other postsecondary education in Texas can receive Doyle Vogler Memorial Scholarships of US $2,500 for tuition, fees, and books. Community Foundation of West Texas supports students attending accredited community colleges, nonprofit trade or vocational schools, or universities through this program.

Texas organizations providing workforce preparation and vocational or trade education in Texas can apply for Texas Mutual’s Texas Workforce Development Grant, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for projects that build a skilled workforce, support small business resilience, or reconnect opportunity youth to career pathways. Programs with vocational rehab components may be especially well positioned.

The Long Foundation Grant aims to support Texas Hispanic youths by addressing the high school dropout rate and enhancing their economic and social potential. Through annual grants to nonprofits and educational institutions, the foundation seeks programs that promote caring adult relationships, safe spaces, health, and marketable skills. With a focus on the Austin Metropolitan area, at least 75% of beneficiaries must be Hispanic, ensuring inclusivity while prioritizing this demographic's needs.

Students in Texas’s northernmost 26 counties who are pregnant or actively parenting and pursuing vocational, trade, or other post-secondary education can receive support through the Brandy Lee Leard Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to improve quality of life, Amarillo Area Foundation provides scholarships up to US $3,500 to help cover college or trade school costs.

Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers of Texas. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the needs of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund

The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund (LSWF) is a program to increase the supply of qualified workers for entry-level to mid-level jobs in high demand occupations. In doing so, LSWF will ensure that the Texas workforce is capable of filling available and emerging jobs in this state. Grants may be awarded to public junior colleges, public technical institutes, and nonprofit organizations with an active and current TWC account number to develop and administer training programs to support this goal.

40% of project funding must come from a source other than state government. At least 50% of program participants must be placed into high demand occupations that earn a self-sufficient wage. Program participants must be placed into occupations occurring in the private sector.

Students pursuing trade or vocational education in Texas can receive a one-time US $1,000 scholarship to attend a full-time program of at least four months. Grants from Luling Foundation help residents of Caldwell, Gonzales, or Guadalupe Counties cover freshman-year costs at eligible trade or vocational schools.

The Career and Technical Education Innovative Services for Special Populations Grant is intended to support school systems to address gaps in CTE access for students identified as special populations under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. This grant will enable school systems to design and implement innovative services that address gaps and disparities identified through the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment, with a specific focus on improving outcomes for underserved student groups and special populations.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century - Institutions

Program Description

The purpose of the career and technical education (CTE) program is to develop more fully the academic knowledge, technical, and employability skills of students who enroll in CTE programs and programs of study.

Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers of Texas. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the needs of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

Self Sufficiency Fund Program

The Self Sufficiency Fund is a training grant to help individuals obtain industry recognized credentials and be placed in an occupation that provides a path toward Self Sufficiency. The program focuses on training for the following groups:

• Adult receiving government assistance such as Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance.
• Individuals earning less than $37,000 annually with a dependent child, custodial or non-custodial.
• Youth between the ages of 18-24 that are a part of a low-income household.

The Self Sufficiency program is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with public community and technical colleges, a higher education extension service, and community-based organizations, and is governed by the following rules and regulations:

• Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 20, Chapter 835
• Texas Labor Code, Chapter 309

Program Requirements:

• Grantees must provide training that leads to an industry-recognized certificate or credential.
• Training can be for any target occupation or an occupation that is subject to approval by the local Workforce Development Board.
• Training must focus on core or support occupations that provide a path toward higher-level occupations.
• Various training methods are accepted, including classroom, simulations, and online instruction.
• Applicants may receive up to $500,000 for projects.
• Target cost is $2500 per trainee.
• Funding may include tuition, training materials, books and supplies.
• Job placement for participants is required and may be with any employer.

Texas nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major projects for education and workforce development can seek capital or major donations that support facilities, renovations, or other large initiatives. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha funds key partners in its service areas, which may include vocational and trade education and related workforce readiness efforts.

Texas public school districts, charter schools, education service centers, and some higher education or nonprofit partners can apply for $250,000 - $400,000 from the Texas Education Agency to build high-quality career and education pathways aligned with regional labor demand. This funding supports vocational and trade education efforts that help students transition into targeted industries across Texas.

Texas public school districts, charter schools, and other eligible education entities in Texas can seek up to US $50,000 to expand summer career and technical education and work-based learning opportunities. With a mission to improve student outcomes, Texas Education Agency provides support for CTE courses and summer programs addressing needs like transportation, staffing, and industry-aligned experiences.

Texas students pursuing vocational and trade education in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics can access funding through this WM Four Corners Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America. Eligible high school seniors, graduates, and current undergraduates attending accredited two-year colleges or vocational-technical schools in Texas (and select neighboring states) may receive up to US $2,500 toward tuition.

Texas public school districts, charter schools, education service centers, and other eligible entities can obtain funding to enhance career and technical education programs statewide, with awards around US $105,000 for services, resources, and professional development. Texas Education Agency supports vocational and trade education by promoting student access to nontraditional fields and employment pathways defined under Perkins V.

Focused on community impact, eligible nonprofit organizations in Texas can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s community sponsorships to support events, general operations, or seasons. Programs in vocational and trade education, workforce development, affordable housing, small business development, health, arts, culture, and community cohesion may be competitive if they align with FNBO’s focus areas.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

P-TECH Continued Support Grant

Program Description

This grant will implement innovative strategies for providing a robust model of support to P-TECH campuses in the CCRSM network:

• Developing strategy and resources for successfully scaling CCRSM programs with fidelity to increase the number of CCRSM teachers and CCRSM students
• CCRSM leaders from campuses, districts, institutes of higher education, and business and industry to support and sustain a mature CCRSM model.

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Texas public schools and districts developing or operating Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs can apply for Texas Education Agency support to plan, launch, or renew these career-focused campuses. Funding helps build vocational and trade education pathways that lead to associate degrees and high-demand workforce credentials, which may benefit vocational rehabilitation-related initiatives.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Carl D. Perkins Community and Technical Colleges Consolidated Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic, technical, employability, and career and technical skills knowledge of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs or other areas of study.

There are four parts: Perkins Formula Grant; Perkins Leadership Grant; Perkins Nontraditional Grant; and Perkins Administration Grant

Perkins Administration Grant

Funding awarded through this grant must be used for costs to administer the Carl D. Perkins State Plan, including:

• Developing the state plan;
• Reviewing local applications;
• Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness;
• Assuring compliance with all applicable federal laws;
• Providing technical assistance; and
• Supporting and developing state data systems relevant to provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Act.
• P.L. 109-270 requires Perkins funds used for state-level administration to be matched dollarfor-dollar with non-federal funds.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Carl D. Perkins Community and Technical Colleges Consolidated Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic, technical, employability, and career and technical skills knowledge of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs or other areas of study.

There are four parts: Perkins Formula Grant; Perkins Leadership Grant; Perkins Nontraditional Grant; and Perkins Administration Grant

Perkins Nontraditional Grant

Funding awarded through this grant must be used for services that prepare individuals for nontraditional fields. The grantee should provide CTE programs and instruction for students enrolled in CTE courses that are nontraditional for their gender. Effort is to be made to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping in curriculum, instruction, and services.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Carl D. Perkins Community and Technical Colleges Consolidated Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic, technical, employability, and career and technical skills knowledge of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs or other areas of study.

There are four parts: Perkins Formula Grant; Perkins Leadership Grant; Perkins Nontraditional Grant; and Perkins Administration Grant

Perkins Leadership Grant

General Authority-from amounts reserved under section 112(a)(2), each eligible agency shall:

• Conduct State Leadership activities to improve career and technical education
• Report on the effectiveness of such use of funds in achieving the goals described in 1 section 122(d)(2) and the State determined levels of performance described in section 113 (b)(3)(c)(ii)(ll).

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Carl D. Perkins Community and Technical Colleges Consolidated Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic, technical, employability, and career and technical skills knowledge of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs or other areas of study.

There are four parts: Perkins Formula Grant; Perkins Leadership Grant; Perkins Nontraditional Grant; and Perkins Administration Grant

Perkins Formula Grant

Funds made available to eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support career and technical education programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must distribute 100 percent of the Formula Grant to community and technical colleges to fund career and technical education.