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Overview

A mom helps her daughter balance as she walks on a narrow ledge for fun.


The Self Sufficiency Fund is a training grant to help individuals obtain industry recognized credentials. The program focuses on training for the following groups:

  • Adult recipients of 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.

Grant recipients are community-based organizations 501 (c)(3) and public community or technical colleges. Eligible grantees must provide occupational training that leads to an industry recognized certification.

Grant recipients will partner with eligible training providers. Training providers must:

  • Demonstrate project support from local businesses.
  • Work with local Workforce Development Boards to identify eligible participants.
  • Complete and submit the grant application to TWC.
  • Deliver training.
  • Administer the grant.

What We Do

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Information

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Grants & Funding

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Education & Training

Program Details

  • Training must lead to an industry-recognized certificate or credential.
  • Training must be within the following targeted industry clusters: 
    • 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 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.

TWC’s Outreach and Employer Initiatives provides technical assistance throughout the project. TWC accepts project proposal submissions throughout the year. Training programs typically last 12 months.

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: