(a) Applicants shall be selected for funding based
on requirements and award criteria provided in the RFA. Award criteria
shall at a minimum include consideration of the following key factors:
(1) Projects that lead to postsecondary industry certifications
or other workforce credentials required for high-demand occupations;
(2) Projects that are developed and provided in consultation
with employers who are hiring in high-demand occupations;
(3) Projects that create pathways to employment for
students and learners;
(4) Projects with at least one eligible entity located
in each region of the state to the extent practicable;
(5) Projects that ensure that each training program
matches regional workforce needs, are supported by a labor market
analysis of job postings and employers hiring roles with the skills
developed by the program; and do not duplicate existing program offerings
except as necessary to accommodate regional demand; and
(6) The evaluation of the application by three or more
selected reviewers as determined by THECB staff.
(b) Projects may be given preference that:
(1) Represent a consortium of lower-division institutions
of higher education;
(2) Prioritize training to displaced workers;
(3) Offer affordable training programs to students;
or
(4) Partner with employers, local chambers of commerce,
trade associations, economic development corporations, and local workforce
boards to analyze job postings and identify employers hiring roles
with the skills developed by the training programs.
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