GRANT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(a) A training program funded through a grant awarded under this subchapter must: (1) be hosted by a regional partnership that presents a plan to implement training programs that lead trainees to economic self-sufficiency and career pathways and includes at least: (A) one university, college, technical school, or other nonprofit workforce training provider; (B) one chamber of commerce, local workforce agency, local employer, or other public or private participating entity; (C) one economic development authority; and (D) one community or faith-based nonprofit organization that works with one or more targeted populations; (2) assist an eligible individual in obtaining education, skills training, and labor market information to enhance the individual's employability in green industries; and (3) assist in the development of a highly skilled and productive workforce in green industries. (b) A training program awarded a grant under this subchapter shall target a population of eligible individuals for training that includes: (1) workers in high-demand green industries who are in or are preparing for high-wage occupations; (2) workers in declining industries who may be retrained for high-wage occupations in a high-demand green industry; (3) agriculture, timber, or energy sector workers who may be retrained for high-wage occupations in a high-demand green industry; (4) veterans or past or present members of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces, or a reserve component of the armed forces or the national guard; (5) unemployed workers; (6) low-income workers, unemployed youth and adults, individuals who did not complete high school, or other underserved sectors of the workforce in high poverty areas; or (7) individuals otherwise determined by the comptroller in cooperation with the Texas Workforce Commission to be disadvantaged and in need of training to obtain employment. (c) A training program may receive funding under this subchapter for a period not to exceed three years. (d) A training program may use grant funds for support services, including basic skills, literacy, GED, English as a second language, and job readiness training, career guidance, and referral services. (e) A percentage of the grant, to be determined by the comptroller, must be devoted to administrative costs, costs related to hiring instructors and purchasing equipment, and tuition assistance.