Classrooms to careers: Making the most of available resources

TEXAS 2036

Across Texas, innovative programs are transforming high school education by connecting classrooms to career opportunities.

Expanding these initiatives is essential for preparing our students for the 63% of Texas jobs that require postsecondary education. For too long, nearly two-thirds of Texas high school graduates have not earned a postsecondary credential within six years of graduation.

This gap highlights the pressing need to make the most of the resources available for Texas students.

We believe the solution lies in adopting braided funding — a model that combines multiple funding streams to support a single program while maintaining accountability to each funding source.

Our latest research, funded by a grant from JPMorganChase, shows how this approach can optimize resources, enhance accountability and expand life-changing opportunities for Texas students.

One significant example is the Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ), a partnership among five South Texas school districts. Since its launch in 2019, RSIZ has outperformed state averages in College, Career and Military Readiness.

In 2022, 58% of RSIZ graduates earned industry- based certifications, compared to the state average of 28%. Similarly, 59% of RSIZ students completed dual credit coursework, far surpassing the state average of 24%.

These achievements highlight how innovative resource allocation can yield tangible results.

The key to expanding these successes statewide lies in legislative action. Lawmakers can build on recent workforce development initiatives like the Texas Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative and House Bill 8, which established an outcomes-based funding model for community colleges.

By modernizing state laws to promote braided funding, we can eliminate administrative silos, simplify grant processes and prioritize performance outcomes.

These changes will empower school districts to scale proven models like RSIZ and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP).

Additionally, the state has an opportunity to enhance transparency in funding. Developing a central database of funding sources and allowable uses will enable districts to navigate complex financial landscapes more effectively.

Providing public guidance on leveraging federal, state and local funds will further maximize impact.

Strategic governance is also critical. Increasing dedicated staffing at the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative and implementing integrated project management tools can improve coordination among state agencies. These measures will ensure that resources are deployed efficiently and equitably.

Ultimately, braided funding is not just a policy concept. It could be an essential project management tool that helps future generations of Texans succeed.

By continuing to take further steps to align education and workforce initiatives, Texas can give millions more students a clear pathway to success.

Whether it’s earning college credits in high school, securing industry-based certifications or exploring apprenticeship opportunities, these programs offer students the tools they need to thrive in a competitive job market.

With a growing economy and population, it’s essential that Texas leverage all the resources available to maximize classroom-to-career possibilities, so we can lead the country in workforce readiness.