TWC Afterschool Programs

Milo showcases Texas Workforce themes—career growth, teamwork, and upward trends—wearing a sharp blue button-down.
Milo showcases Texas Workforce themes—career growth, teamwork, and upward trends—wearing a sharp blue button-down.
Academic enrichment that builds tomorrow’s workforce.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) plays a pivotal role in supporting afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs across the state. Through various initiatives, TWC aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of child care and youth development services, ensuring that families have access to safe and enriching environments for their children during non-school hours.

TWC administers the Child Care Services (CCS) program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families for child care, including afterschool programs. Additionally, TWC supports youth programs that offer career exploration, job readiness training, and work-based learning opportunities, helping young Texans build skills and prepare for future employment.

How MindWorks Benefits TWC Afterschool Programs

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MindWorks curriculum kits help Texas Workforce Commission programs prepare students with skills that matter—creativity, collaboration, and confidence—starting in elementary school.

MindWorks supports Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)-funded afterschool programs by providing curriculum kits that promote 21st-century skills, early career exploration, and hands-on learning for K–8 students. Our project-based kits are designed to develop problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication—core skills aligned with the Texas Workforce Development Board’s long-term vision. Whether implemented in schools, youth programs, or nonprofit partnerships, MindWorks helps TWC grantees meet both academic and workforce readiness goals with engaging content that’s easy for staff to deliver and fun for students to experience.

TWC Afterschool Impact

TWC's commitment to afterschool and OST programs has led to improved outcomes for children and youth in Texas. By investing in quality child care and youth development initiatives, TWC contributes to the overall well-being and future success of the state's younger population.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Afterschool programs supported by TWC provide academic enrichment activities that reinforce learning and support educational achievement. These programs offer homework assistance, tutoring, and literacy development, contributing to improved academic performance among participants.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Participation in TWC-supported OST programs has been associated with increased school attendance and engagement. By providing structured and supportive environments, these programs encourage consistent attendance and active participation in learning activities.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

TWC-funded programs incorporate social-emotional learning components that help children develop essential life skills, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. These programs create nurturing environments that support the holistic development of participants.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Through youth programs and work-based learning opportunities, TWC prepares young Texans for post-secondary education and careers. Initiatives like the Summer Earn & Learn program provide hands-on work experiences, helping youth build skills and gain exposure to various career paths.

Sources: Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Education Agency

Metro

TWC works with OST providers such as YMCAs, school districts, Boys & Girls Clubs, and licensed child care centers. Local Workforce Boards help connect eligible families to care and manage provider networks across Texas.

Rural

TWC’s rural strategy includes mobile intake services, school-based care options, and support for provider expansion in underserved areas. Rural families can access OST subsidies through CCS regional offices.

Federal Funding

TWC administers federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars to support subsidized care for working families, which includes OST programming before and after school.

State Funding

TWC receives state general revenue and child care matching funds to administer child care subsidies (including OST) through local Workforce Development Boards. It also funds quality improvement for providers via Texas Rising Star.

All Funding Sources

  • Child Care and Development Fund (federal)
  • Texas General Revenue funds
  • Local Workforce Board allocations
  • Federal workforce and apprenticeship initiatives

Family Involvement

Families should apply for Child Care Services (CCS) through their local Workforce Board. OST providers must be licensed and participate in Texas Rising Star to qualify.

Partner Involvement

OST programs can enroll as CCS providers and collaborate with Workforce Boards to deliver care and training. Providers may access workforce funding for staff development.

TWC Afterschool Resources

Related TWC MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to TWC.

States

  • Texas – TWC is a direct OST funder, especially around career readiness and youth employment integration.
  • Louisiana – Implements workforce-linked OST models in underserved regions.
  • Oklahoma – Partners with workforce boards to support afterschool programs with employability outcomes.
  • Georgia – Invests in afterschool programming tied to youth workforce pathways and life skills.
  • Florida – Active in integrating OST with workforce readiness under state DOE and agency partnerships.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Aligns with TWC goals through hands-on STEM, agriculture, and entrepreneurship learning.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs – Offers teen workforce and career programs often funded through agencies like TWC.
  • United Way – Supports workforce-aligned OST initiatives through funding and partnerships with local employers.

Products

Our products are designed to help TWC-funded programs meet academic and workforce-readiness goals through hands-on, standards-aligned enrichment. Whether used during OST programs, summer bridge, or rural service partnerships, MindWorks kits support real learning with minimal prep and maximum impact.

  • Brain Boost – Reinforces foundational academic skills in math, literacy, and science with structured lessons ideal for academic hour, tutoring, or Tier 2 intervention.
  • Cornerstone – Offers cross-curricular enrichment built around engaging themes — perfect for summer programs and extended-day enrichment aligned to TEKS.
  • Imaginate – Builds problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity through open-ended STEAM projects — a strong fit for career-connected learning and innovation blocks.
  • Base Camp – Provides early learners with screen-free math and literacy readiness — ideal for school entry programs, Pre-K expansion, or family engagement initiatives.

Looking to align your TWC-funded program with high-impact academic enrichment? Contact Us to explore how MindWorks can help meet your goals.