PATHS for Texas Program Drives Economic Growth in Key Sectors Across Texas
Customized Training Increased Average Quarterly Earnings by 21%
Austin, TX – The Ray Marshall Center is pleased to present 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 achieved what few workforce development programs have: it successfully implemented a multi-year, multi-regional initiative that mobilized philanthropy, employers, and the public sector to deliver in-demand, sector-specific training to those most in need. As a result, PATHS produced employment and earnings outcomes that exceeded those of typical workforce development programs—underscoring the value of well-orchestrated public-private-philanthropic partnerships that benefit not only training participants, but also employers and the State of Texas as a whole. PATHS stands as an exemplar, illuminating a clear path forward for workforce development,” said Dr. Heath Prince, Research Scientist at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, and Principal Investigator for the PATHS evaluation.
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%).
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—Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, Workforce Solutions for North Texas, and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area— implemented the PATHS for Texas program in their areas, benefiting both rural and urban communities across the state.
PATHS for Texas enrolled and trained more than two times the program’s original goal for participant numbers and produced more than three times its projected number of certificate completions, resulting in an average cost per learner of $1,697, which enabled it to extend the funds to serve more people.
PATHS for Texas delivered economic returns that underscore the value of local investments in human capital, with an annualized 48% taxpayer ROI.
“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 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.
Visit the PATHS project page on www.raymarshallcenter.org to watch a video and view the full report and white paper on the program.
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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on X @Walmartorg.
About Texas Workforce Investment Council
The Texas Workforce Investment Council assists the Governor and the Texas Legislature with strategic planning for and evaluation of the Texas workforce system to promote the development of a well-educated, highly skilled workforce for Texas. The Council’s appointed members represent business and industry, organized labor, education, and community-based organizations. Ex officio members include the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.
About The Ray Marshall Center
In 1970, the Center for the Study of Human Resources was established by Dr. Ray Marshall, who would go on to serve as President Carter’s Labor Secretary, to support the research of pressing social and economic problems facing American workers. The Center’s first three projects focused on Black employment in the South, comparing apprenticeship with other training routes to skilled employment in construction and the South’s rural workforce. These projects not only provided high-quality, empirical research on timely issues, but they did so with a focus on offering practical recommendations to improve strategies, practices, and knowledge. This type of action research has driven the Ray Marshall Center’s activities ever since.
Media Contact:
Alanna Burney
alanna.burney@raymarshallcenter.org
512-471-7891