Work-based Learning Opportunity Grants

The THECB is offering two grant opportunities for institutions providing internships and apprenticeships. The Work-Based Learning Opportunity grant program will provide funding through two separate grants: Work-based Learning Opportunity Grants – Internships and Work-based Learning Opportunity Grants – Apprenticeships. Each grant will have a separate application process, detailed below.

The COVID-19 pandemic widened gaps and opportunities for higher education students to gain professional experience and hands-on training through work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships. Together, these grants are designed to strengthen the education to workforce pipeline, drive student opportunity, and aid in the state’s economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work-based Learning Opportunity Grants – Internships will support or expand existing, off-campus internship programs in the spring or summer 2022 by:

1. converting non-paid internship programs to paid work-based learning opportunities for students,
2. increasing the number of students participating in paid work-based learning opportunities,
3. increasing wages for students participating in paid work-based learning opportunities, and/or
4. providing financial support to student interns with demonstrated need.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for the internship grants are Texas public two and four-year institutions of higher education with existing off-campus internship programs that offer virtual, hybrid, or in-person options to students. An off-campus internship program is one that places students with businesses or employers in good standing to operate and conduct business in Texas off-site of an institution of higher education.

Grant Application Information

• Request for Applications – Internships (RFA) (PDF)
• Application and Instructions (PDF)
• Budget Request Form and Instructions (PDF)
• Informational Webinar – Internships – Jan. 20, 2022
  • Slide Deck (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Work-based Learning Opportunity Grants – Apprenticeships will support or expand existing apprenticeship programs in the spring or summer 2022 by:

1. supporting training costs,
2. providing financial support to student apprentices with demonstrated need,
3. expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs,
4. developing pre-apprenticeship programs,
5. encouraging participation from non-traditional student and employer populations, and/or (6) faculty development in high-value career and technical training credential pathway.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for the apprenticeship grants are public two-year institutions of higher education with at least one existing registered apprenticeship training program or an eligible institution establishing a new registered apprenticeship program.

Grant Application Information

• Request for Applications – Apprenticeships (RFA) (PDF)
• Application and Instructions (PDF)
• Budget Request Form and Instructions (PDF)
• Informational Webinar – Apprenticeships – Jan. 20, 2022
  • Slide Deck (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)