GCWB Workforce Initiative

Access to career pathways is essential for middle and high school students, as early decisions can shape lifelong opportunities. The Gulf Coast Workforce Board launched the Gulf Coast Workforce Initiative to ensure students across our 13-county region have clear, structured routes from education to meaningful employment. 

Serving more than 7 million people, 25% of Texas’ population, the Gulf Coast region includes 88 school districts, 10 universities, 4 health science centers, and 18 community college campuses. While resource-rich, the region often lacks coordinated systems. The GCWB is addressing this by convening regional partners, schools, higher education, employers, local governments, nonprofits, and philanthropy, to build a more connected pathways network. 

We are currently focused on high-growth sectors like healthcare, education, and construction, where partnerships already exist to support students through career exploration, training, and apprenticeships. Our mission is to align efforts across K-12, post-secondary, and industry to ensure students graduate with skills, experience, and networks that prepare them for success. 

The Gulf Coast Workforce Initiative has become part of our core work. By integrating work-based learning into education, we’re helping individuals build career readiness and social capital, supporting both personal opportunity and the economic vitality of the Gulf Coast region.