AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 44) – Two workforce development boards in Central Texas are among a handful in the state receiving grants from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

According to TWC, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas is receiving $200,000 to place 35 participants in IT and healthcare (MRI) internships, with a focus on foster youth. In addition, Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas is receiving $94,230 to place 18 high school juniors and seniors in welding internships leading to American Welding Society certifications.

TWC has awarded eight grants totaling more than $1.3 million to Boards through the Texas Internship Initiative (TII). The Boards will use these grants to support local partnerships fostering new, paid internship opportunities for students, recent college graduates, and transitioning service members.

TWC says the TII grant program focuses on internships in middle skills STEM occupations and target industry sectors. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the initiative prepares young Texans for careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, education, and other targeted sectors. Participants earn industry-based certifications while receiving wages or stipends. The funding also enables Boards to address local labor market conditions.

The TII program was initially launched in 2019 and expanded in 2025 in order to support internship opportunities for new college graduates and transitioning service members. For the 2026 grant cycle, the program’s list of eligible applicants was also expanded to include education service centers.

The other 2026 TII grant recipients are, according to the TWC:

Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend: $197,157 to place 24 P-TECH Academy graduates from rural and urban districts in STEM and healthcare internships.Workforce Solutions Cameron: $200,000 to place 50 interns in biotech, energy evolution, and advanced manufacturing in partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas: $118,488 to create 20 internships for Dallas College students in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development program.Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas: $176,188 to place 40 participants in internships for healthcare (LVN/MA) and construction equipment operation.Houston-Galveston Area Council: $200,000 to launch an educator internship for 20 Sam Houston State University students serving as math tutors and intervention specialists.Workforce Solutions Borderplex: $200,000 to place 50 interns in innovation and entrepreneurship roles in partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso’s Mike Loya Center.

The Texas Internship Initiative is part of TWC’s statewide effort to connect Texas employers with motivated students to build a skilled future workforce. TWC launched the new and improved Texas Intern Network in April, which is Texas’ one-stop shop for internships.

For more information on Texas Intern Network and other internship resources, you can visit www.twc.texas.gov/tin.

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