PATHS for Texas Program

Driving Economic Growth in Key Sectors Across Texas

Workforce Solutions North Texas is proud to reveal results of the Pursuit of Advanced Training in High-Demand Skills (PATHS) for Texas program, an innovative workforce development initiative designed to address critical skills gaps in key industries through public, private, and philanthropic collaboration, which was made possible with a $5.4 million grant from Walmart.

PATHS for Texas reached over 2,500 Texans, helping build skills, boost confidence, and, in many cases, secure promotions. Over the five years the program ran from 2020 to 2025, 92% (2,329 workers) of participants completed training and earned one or more certificates. Certificate earners increased quarterly earnings by 21% ($8,501 to $10,277) and increased employment by 5.5% (from 73.3% to 77.3%).

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PATHS For Texas White Paper

PATHS For Texas Report

Impacts on North Texas

Workforce Solutions North Texas has successfully leveraged the PATHS initiative to tackle critical workforce challenges and enhance the region’s economic resilience. The initiative’s customized training options, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats, have made education and upskilling accessible to participants across North Texas.

Our team enrolled a total of 179 participants in the Wichita Falls area, which resulted in 117 certificates earned in top industries, including Healthcare, IT, and Truck Driving. PATHS had a significant impact on our region with an increase of quarterly earnings from $8,004 to $9,140.

PATHS for Texas enrolled and trained more than two times the program’s original goal for participant numbers and more than three times for certificate completions, resulting in an average cost per learner of $1,697 and extending the funds to serve more people.

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Hear From Our Team

“The PATHS program significantly benefited North Texas thanks to funding from the Walmart Foundation. This investment allowed us to support the training needs of individuals ineligible for our other programs, broadening our reach to those who earn too much to qualify for government assistance but too little to invest in career development. For instance, Wichita County workers avoided job loss by receiving essential training to meet new licensing requirements for CDL holders. Even for someone who is working, training costs – like a $4,000 CDL course – can still be a huge barrier to career progress. Programs like this can be life changing,” said Kendra Ball, Business and Outreach Manager for WSNT.

“The PATHS program has been instrumental for improving employment outcomes in communities across Texas and has created a sustainable model for collaboration across regions to improve workforce development that benefits individuals, employers, and the state’s economy,” said Kaki Leyens, Executive Director of the Texas Workforce Investment Council.

PATHS Program Partners

With prior experience managing privately funded initiatives, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas facilitated planning, promoted effective data collection, and ensured accountability while the Texas Workforce Investment Council served as strategic partner from the state level. Four Texas workforce boards implemented the PATHS for Texas program in their areas, reaching both rural and urban communities across the state: Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, Workforce Solutions North Texas, and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.

PATHS for Texas stands out for funding workforce training in key sectors essential to the economy but not traditionally covered by federal workforce programs, including hospitality, skilled trades, and retail. By equipping job seekers with industry-recognized credentials that align with employer needs in these high-demand industries, PATHS made a positive impact on earnings and employment, skills progression and career advancement, and, ultimately, economic growth and prosperity in each workforce board area.

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Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 1-800-735-2989 (TTY); 1-800-735-2988 or 7-1-1 (Voice). Individuals requiring assistance or interpretive services for a Board meeting should call (940) 767-1432 or the TDD number 1-800-735-2989 or 711 within five days of the posted meeting date.

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