Texas Regional Pathways Network

The Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) was launched in 2019 to support Governor Abbott’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, through which the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas Workforce Commission are working collaboratively to increase economic prosperity in Texas by linking education and industry. 

With a vision that all Texans are prepared to contribute to an inclusive and competitive Texas economy, the TRPN aims to build regional talent pipelines that spur economic growth across the state and ensure that all Texans have the skills and credentials needed for economic advancement. 

The TRPN is a growing community of regions across the state (see table below) working to develop, refine, and scale high-quality career and education pathways.  Through the network, grantees can share knowledge and best practices, make strategic connections, and build intentional partnerships across regions in service of their goals. 

To learn more about this initiative, please visit the TRPN external webpage.

What are the Key Components of the TRPN?

The TRPN has seven key components: 

1. Cross-sector partnerships;
2. Alignment with high wage, in-demand labor market information (greater than $35,339 annual salary and greater than 17% annual growth for the state);
3. Links between secondary and postsecondary education with multiple entry and exit points;
4. Credentials and degrees with value in the labor market;
5. Integration of rigorous academics and career-focused learning;
6. Strong college and career advising and counseling supports; and
7. Continuum of work-based learning experiences

What is the TRPN Grant Program?  

TRPN members are supported by the TRPN Grant Program. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) invests Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act federal reserve dollars to expand opportunities for every student to complete career and education pathways that lead to credentials with value in the labor market.  The TRPN Grant Program has been designed to build such pathways by supporting collaboration through cross-sector teams to implement high-quality career and education pathways at the regional level. 

The next cohort of the TRPN Grant Program is anticipated to launch in January 2024 and will support regional teams through the 2024-2025 school year.  Please continue to check the TEA Grant Opportunities website for available grant opportunities.

Who makes up TRPN member regional teams?  

The TRPN Grantees must convene a regional team consisting of, at minimum, the following entities to be qualified for the grant:

• A pathways facilitator that will convene and support all stakeholders who are crucial to implementing the seven key components; 
• A minimum of three LEAs in the region;
• A minimum of one public institution of higher education; 
• A minimum of one workforce development board; and
• A minimum of two employer partners in the industry the team will be supporting.

The current Texas Regional Pathways Network regional teams (Cohort 1 and Cohort 2) include:  

Who are the TRPN partners?

Technical Assistance Partners

• Jobs for the Future (JFF)

Tri-Agency

• Texas Education Agency
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Texas Workforce Commission