Contact Partners

The Governor's Economic Development and Tourism division markets Texas and promotes opportunities within the Lone Star State. The division highlights Texas' unlimited opportunities, whether you are exploring corporate expansion or planning a family vacation. Visit the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism website at http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev.

The Texas Association of Workforce Boards (TAWB) is comprised of the 28 Local Workforce Development Boards. TAWB is committed to developing and implementing concrete steps to transform the existing workforce system to an employer-driven network by enhancing employer awareness, involvement and use of the local workforce development systems. TAWB strives to leverage local, state and other resources to enhance the statewide capability and recognition of the local delivery system. It also provides a leadership forum for the development of innovative strategies and establishes a framework for an employer and customer responsive system by connecting with local partners in education, economic development and community development on a statewide basis. Visit the local board directory at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/dirs/wdbs/wdbmap.html.

The mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime. Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders) is a collaborative partnership between the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and TDCJ through the Windham School District (WSD). Project RIO within TDCJ is designed to offer adult offenders educational and occupational training in order to gain meaningful long-term employment while meeting the needs of Texas employers. This cooperative program positively affects public safety and the Texas economy, and is ultimately envisioned to result in reduced recidivism. Visit the Project RIO website at http://www.wsdtx.org/divisions/rio.php and the WSD website at http://windhamschooldistrict.org/.

The mission of the Texas Education Agency is to provide leadership, guidance, and resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is comprised of the commissioner of education and agency staff. TEA and the State Board of Education (SBOE) guide and monitor activities and programs related to public education in Texas. TEA is the administrative unit for primary and secondary public education in Texas. Visit the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/.

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) provides leadership and direction, and fosters the spirit of innovation needed to achieve an efficient and effective health and human services system for Texans. HHSC has oversight responsibilities for designated Health and Human Services agencies, and administers certain health and human services programs including the Texas Medicaid Program, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse investigations. Visit the HHSC website at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/.

The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) works in partnership with Texans with disabilities to assist them in achieving employment of choice and living as independently as possible. The DARS Division for Blind Services and the Division for Rehabilitation Services are active partners in the local workforce development system providing vocational rehabilitation services for Texans with disabilities. Visit the DARS website at http://www.dars.state.tx.us/.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) works with the state's colleges and universities, public schools, the Legislature, the Governor's office, and others to ensure broad access to high-quality higher education across the state. As part of that mission, the THECB maintains extensive data on higher education in Texas, studies higher education issues, and develops plans and recommendations for improving higher education in the state. In addition, the agency administers the state's student financial aid programs and provides information to help students and parents make good choices about preparing for and succeeding in college. Visit the THECB website at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/.

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) provides veterans employment services through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and the Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) grant. Staff provide job matching services to eligible veterans, including intake and assessment, counseling/case management, job search assistance, job development and resume assistance. TVC also manages the Veterans Education program, evaluating Texas’ education and training programs that may be approved for eligible veterans and their dependents to use federal education benefits earned through military service. TVC personnel assist veterans, their dependents and survivors in filing claims for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation, pension, death benefits, educational assistance, home loans, insurance, hospitalization and outpatient care. Visit the TVC website at http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) oversees and provides workforce development services to Texas employers and job seekers. For employers, TWC offers recruiting, retention, training and retraining, and outplacement services as well as information on labor law and labor market statistics. For job seekers, TWC offers career development information, job search resources, training programs, and, as appropriate, unemployment benefits. TWC is part of a local/state network dedicated to developing the Texas workforce. The network is comprised of TWC and 28 Local Workforce Development Boards. Visit the TWC website at http://www.texasworkforce.org/.

The Texas Youth Commission, the state's juvenile corrections agency, provides for the care, custody, rehabilitation, and reestablishment in society of Texas' most serious and chronically delinquent juveniles. Our goal is to help them to become literate, lawful, responsible, and productive citizens. Visit the Texas Youth Commission website at http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/.