On April 22nd, nearly 100 leaders representing dozens of regional workforce boards and community colleges from across the state gathered to learn more about an innovative opportunity to help more Texans find pathways out of poverty and into careers that support themselves and their families. While many Americans are familiar with the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), most have never heard of the Employment & Training (or SNAP E&T) component intended to help those receiving assistance access workforce opportunities.

In Texas, there are over 1 million working-age adults who receive SNAP benefits. As John Briscoe, SNAP E&T program director at Texas Health and Human Services explained, most recipients are diverted into the first low-skill, low-wage job available. Without credential-based training, many recipients land back in the same place within a year and miss out on other opportunities within the Texas workforce.

One promising solution to this challenge: SNAP E&T could partner with community colleges to bridge basic education and college-level training, offer certificate-based programs, and provide strong connections to their local labor market. As “third-party providers” approved by their regional workforce boards, community colleges can also receive federal reimbursement for the funds they spend to support SNAP recipients to successfully complete the approved, offered education and workforce programs. Colleges can then reinvest these flexible dollars in staff, program equipment, and student support services.

Hosted in coordination with Texas Health and Human Services and Texas Workforce Solutions, the purpose of the recent convening was to inform and connect local stakeholders as the state expands its Third-Party Partnership Initiative. With a few workforce regions now underway, the plan is for all regions to participate by 2029. Equipped with basic knowledge of the program’s goals, requirements, procedures, and potential, local workforce and community college leaders began action planning before returning home.

State and regional leaders in attendance also had the opportunity to hear directly from a panel of community college students, each of whom are parents with direct experience navigating SNAP benefits while working, pursuing their education, and raising their children. By courageously sharing their aspirations, struggles, and experiences accessing assistance, these students provided a real-time example of destigmatizing public benefits like SNAP and illustrating what is possible when students have the coordinated support of their local institutions.

EdTrust was proud to co-host this Texas convening along with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and plans to learn alongside local leaders as they implement SNAP E&T partnerships. EdTrust in Texas looks forward to sharing resources, best practices, and policy recommendations to help more Texans succeed in careers that allow them to contribute their talents and create a better life for their families.