The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded The Houston Launch Pad a $297,194 Self-Sufficiency Fund training grant. The Houston Launch Pad partnered with Almeda-Genoa Construction, Williams Brothers Construction and ISI Infrastructure Services to help 150 individuals transition into the workforce from dependency on public assistance. The grant will help provide job training in carpentry, concrete finishing, construction and heavy equipment operator occupations. Grant funding from the Self-Sufficiency Fund will also assist in developing the technical education and learning environment that will lead to industry recognized certificates and credentials. The Self-Sufficiency Fund provides funding to eligible training providers including nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, Texas public community or technical colleges or the Texas Engineering Extension Service. The Self-Sufficiency Fund pays for curriculum development, instructor fees and certifications, training materials, certain work-related expenses for trainees and some training equipment for the six targeted industry clusters, including construction, logistics and transportation.