Advisory council raises alarm over Texas Workforce Commission contracts that limit funding to ages 18–22

Sabrina Gonzales (presiding officer) opened the Sept. 18 advisory council meeting of the Higher Education Coordinating Board advisory council and members immediately turned to concerns about recent Texas Workforce Commission contracting language that appears to limit funding to students aged 18–22.

Sue Marasca of Houston City College’s VAST Academy detailed the practical problem: "We're not an 18 to '22 program. We serve students 18 and older," she said, explaining that VAST serves students well beyond age 22 and that the newly executed TWC contracts appear to categorize many programs as pre‑ETS (pre‑employment transition services), which targets 18–22. Council members warned that older students who do not qualify for Pell or other financial aid could lose access to funded slots if TWC pays only for 18–22 participants.

Members described additional administrative steps in the new process that could delay or withhold payment, including mandatory counselor meetings, upfront documentation of course plans and end‑of‑term academic progress reviews before final payment. "It's a lot to say... we can collect the data... but if the system doesn't allow it, then what?" said Dr. Kenny Evans of Tarrant County College, describing technical and reporting barriers that complicate funding flows.

At least one member framed the situation sharply. Jackie Benistante said on the record that "the agency that's providing those services is not doing their job," pressing the council to pursue clarity and accountability from TWC. Members agreed that the policy change varies by program and contract and that more information from TWC would be useful.

Presiding officer Sabrina said staff would reach out to the TWC representative to request a formal update at a future meeting so the council can better understand which programs and age groups are affected and how the payment process will operate in practice.

Next steps: Council staff agreed to invite a TWC representative for a future agenda item and to circulate related contract language and FAQs ahead of that meeting.