Adult Education

WorkforceFinancial AidCommunity

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Workforce Resources

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The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is to increase individuals’ access to, and opportunities for, the employment, education, training, and support services needed to succeed in the labor market. Job seekers are provided career and/or training services based on the results of career planning interviews and/or assessments. 

Services may include, but are not limited to: 

Job Readiness Workshops (e.g., resume writing tips, interview preparation, and job search strategies) 

Browse Available Jobs 

Hiring Events Calendar 

Labor Market Information 

Target and Demand Occupations 

Education and Training Assistance 

Create a WorkInTexas.com account to search and apply for Texas jobs that fit your needs. 

Skill Improvement & Refresh

Improving Your Skills: Skills Enhancement is an online learning program from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), working together with Metrix Learning. Use it to refresh your skills and get ready for better job opportunities. Click here for access

Digital Skills: Having a good understanding of digital skills can create new chances and make you stand out. Our program provides workshops and training to teach job seekers how to use technology confidently for work, learning, and everyday tasks. You can also access free DigitalLearn courses. The website has self-paced courses, including basic computer skills and web searching, presented as videos with a speaker. Most videos are six to 22 minutes long. Click here for access

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Financial Aid & Scholarships Resources

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Federal Student Aid: a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Click here for access

Families play a critical role in the financial aid process.  Access the Guidance for Families Financial Aid Requirements here to better understand how you can support your student this school year. 

Texas OnCourse Financial Aid:  TEA has partnered with Texas OnCourse to produce a hub of financial aid completion resources including toolkits for students, parents, educators, and community Click here for access

FASFA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. You can find guidance on what you need to do for financial aid requirements Click here for access

Texas OnCourse: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas OnCourse are working together to create a place with lots of help for finishing financial aid. They have toolkits for students, parents, teachers, and community partners. Click here for access.

Skills Enhancement is an online learning program from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), working together with Metrix Learning. Use it to refresh your skills and get ready for better job opportunities. Click Here for Access

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Community Resources

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Workforce Solutions administers Child Care Services (CCS) funding to help parents pay for child care while they work, go to school, or participate in job training.  To learn more about program eligibility and process visit the Workforce Solutions webpage.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, and grow in meaningful career paths. Access the following link to Find Disability Employment Services 

Just4Veterans: Maximize your employment opportunities as you transition into civilian life. Search for jobs, receive priority service at Texas Workforce Solutions offices and get information on transition help and benefits. 

Emergency Food Assistance Emergency  The Food Bank RGV has an Emergency Food Pantry on-site for people in need of emergency food assistance, such as when there is no food in the home. 

The County of Hidalgo Community Service Agency provides an array of emergency services for income eligible clients residing in Hidalgo County. Such services include utility assistance, referrals, and linkages with a network of social service organizations. 

Second Chance Resources: 

• The State of Texas through the Texas Workforce Commission offers fidelity bonding services to individuals that define as at-risk job applicants and are having difficulty finding a job due to their offender status.  

• Texas Workforce Commission provides offers a federal tax credit to employers who hire individuals that are part of a specific population and are having difficulty finding employment. The link below provides more information on how the Work Opportunity Tax Credit can help you find employment. 

• As an individual with a criminal offense, you might qualify for training opportunities offered through the Workforce Solutions Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.  

Mental Wellness

Authority & Funding 

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education provides funds to states for adult education and literacy. TWC then gives the money to local organizations, such as Region One ESC, through a competition. This program follows the rules of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. 

 

 

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• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Non-Citizen National, or Qualified Alien;
• Must present a Photo ID;
• Must reside in the Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties;
• Must be at least 16 years of Age;
  (16-18 years-olds who have not attained a high school diploma, or its equivalent must provide proof that they are exempt from the requirements of compulsory school attendance (Texas Education Code (TEC) §25.086));
• Must be authorized to work in the United States;
• If employed, must present wage documentation; and
• Must demonstrate proof of basic-skills deficiency or English language deficiency in the form of an assessment administered in accordance with TWC-approved assessment policies, or lack of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent

 

Age	Eligibility Criteria
16	Court Order required
17-18	Court order or Withdrawal Form from last school attended and Parent/Guardian permission on AEL Enrollment Form If Withdrawal Form is unavailable, provide proof and/or Self-Attestation that student is not enrolled in school If Parent/Guardian Permission is unavailable, provide proof and/or Self Attestation of living separately from parent/guardian If student is Homeless, provide proof and/or Self Attestation of homelessness
≥19	Proof in the form of an approved assessment that the prospective student is: Is basic-skills deficient (functional below high school graduate level) Does not have a High School Diploma/High School Equivalency, or Is an English Language Learner

 

 

About us

The Region One ESC Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program has a long-standing commitment to empowering individuals through education. Since its inception, the program has provided high-quality adult education services across Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties, serving learners with diverse needs and goals.

Through free services in literacy, English language acquisition, and workforce skills, AEL helps individuals improve their employability, pursue further education, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Responding to Regional Needs

At Region One ESC, we are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). Guided by data from the American Community Survey, the Workforce Business Intelligence database, and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), our mission focuses on reducing educational and workforce gaps.

Texas is projected to generate 1.7 million new jobs between 2018 and 2028, with 40.7% requiring postsecondary education or training. Many of these opportunities—particularly in construction and manufacturing—demand specific technical skills that go beyond a traditional diploma.

In the LRGV, disparities remain stark. As of December 2023, data from TWC’s WorkInTexas shows:

• 10.7% of job openings require at least a high school diploma.

• 16.97% of job openings require postsecondary education.

These numbers highlight the critical importance of adult education in preparing individuals to compete in today’s workforce.

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