Government Support for IT Career Change in Texas
The state of Texas has a strong resource hub for career transitions, with various government support programs designed to help individuals seeking a career change, including those looking to transition into the IT industry.
These programs are primarily managed through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and its local Workforce Solutions offices.
Regarding government grants for IT support training in Texas, one can go through the grant opportunities by the TWC. There are a few other federal programs for IT support workforce that students can leverage.
A. Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Program
The program is specifically designed to target skills gaps and aims to ensure a talent pipeline for regional industry needs, including high-demand occupations in IT.
Well, not directly for individuals, this program can benefit those seeking IT careers by increasing the availability of skilled IT jobs, while encouraging collaboration between local workforce development boards and industry partners for job training.
For more information: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/texas-industry-partnership
B. Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program
This program provides grants to eligible schools and colleges to purchase equipment for career and technical education (CTE) courses that lead to licenses, certificates, or degrees in high-demand occupations, including IT.
For more information: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/federal-pell-grant-program
C. Pell Grants
These federal grants for undergraduate students do not need to be repaid.
They are awarded based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. While not Texas-specific, they are a significant source of financial aid for those pursuing IT degrees or certifications.
For more information: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/federal-pell-grant-program
D. Financial Aids in Desktop Support
For capital assistance, especially in financial aid for desktop support career change, Workforce Solutions offers aid to eligible adults, youth, and dislocated workers to help them gain industry-recognized credentials and secure in-demand jobs.
This assistance covers multiple aspects such as:
- Job search support
- Child care while in training
- Transportation
- Interview clothing and work uniforms
- Tools for new jobs
- Funding for basic skills and occupational training
To qualify, applicants must reside in the service area, meet age and income requirements, provide necessary documentation, and complete a financial aid application. Once approved, a Career Specialist guides applicants through available resources and helps them achieve their employment and educational goals.
For more information: https://www.hotworkforce.com/home/individuals/financial-assistance/
E. Veteran Funding
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) connects veterans to higher education and technical training opportunities, including potential funding through the GI Bill and/or the Hazlewood Act.
For more information: https://tvc.texas.gov/education/
F. State Grants and Scholarships
Texas may offer additional state-level grants and scholarships, often based on financial need, academic performance, or specific course enrollment.
Government scholarships for IT support, especially in the case of a career change, are essential for financial freedom and a strong academic background of the individual.
For more information: https://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/job-search/training-and-education-scholarships
G. Online Job Bank
WorkInTexas.com is the state’s largest online job bank.
Individuals can create an account, build a profile, upload resumes, and search for IT job openings. It also provides resources to improve job matches based on desired skills.
H. Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Program
This program helps individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits find jobs faster.
It offers personalized employment coaching, work-search activity reviews, and connections to training or other resources.
For more information: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/reemployment-services-eligibility
Government Cybersecurity Scholarships in Texas
CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS)
Funded by the National Science Foundation, this program provides full scholarships (tuition, stipend, allowances) for up to three years for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing cybersecurity degrees.
Recipients must work for a federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government for a period equal to the length of their scholarship.
Example: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) offers SFS scholarships with stipends of $27,000 (undergraduate) or $37,000 (graduate) per year, plus support for books and professional travel.
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Scholarships
The DoD offers full scholarships (tuition, fees, books, stipend) to UTSA students pursuing cybersecurity-related fields.
Recipients receive summer internships and guaranteed employment upon graduation.
For more information: https://business.utsa.edu/information-systems-cyber-security/student-resources/Department-of-Defense-Scholarship.html
Government Grants for Cybersecurity Training in Texas
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
Texas receives federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support cybersecurity projects, training, and workforce development for state and local governments.
At least 80% of funds must go to local governments, with 25% specifically for rural communities.
For more information: https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-slcgp
Application: Projects must be submitted through the Texas eGrants system; the minimum funding is $10,000 per project.
Application Portal: https://egrants.gov.texas.gov/fundingopp/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-slcgp-mitigation-projects-fy-2025
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act and Related Initiatives
As per Congress;
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act
First, the bill establishes an apprenticeship pilot program to train and prepare up to 25 participants per year for information technology, cybersecurity, or other cyber-related functions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Federal initiatives like CyberCorps® SFS and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) aim to expand the cybersecurity workforce through scholarships, training, and public-private partnerships.
Opportunities and related initiatives: https://oar.utdallas.edu/opportunities/cybercorps-r-scholarship-for-service-sfs-2025
Additional Opportunities
WiCyS Conference Scholarships (for Workforce Development and Networking)
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) offers scholarships for students, educators, and professionals to attend their annual conference in Texas, supporting workforce development and networking.
Summary Table
| S.No | Program/Initiative | Type | Who Can Apply | Benefits/Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | CyberCorps® SFS | Scholarship | Undergrad/Grad students | Tuition, stipend, work service |
| 02. | DoD Scholarship (UTSA) | Scholarship | UTSA students | Tuition, stipend, and employment |
| 03. | State and Local Cybersecurity Grant | Grant | State/local governments | Training, projects, workforce |
| 04. | eGrants Application Portal | Grant Portal | Eligible entities in Texas | Apply for SLCGP funds |
| 05. | WiCyS Conference Scholarships | Scholarship | Students, educators, pros | Conference attendance |
