WorkQuest Regional Marketing Managers Tricia Sullivan, Erynn Harrison, Taylor Pena, Madison Stark, and Chellby Taylor with State Use Program customers during the West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind State Use training and tour
The Purchaser Training held at West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind on February 12 was a great success! WorkQuest appreciates the customers who joined to learn more about how to maximize the Purchasing from People with Disabilities WorksWonders Program’s benefits. Special thanks to Regional Marketing Managers, Erynn Harrison, Taylor Pena, Madison Stark, and Chellby Taylor for leading, and to West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind for hosting the training and facility tour.
These trainings are a valuable in helping customers better understand and navigate the Program, and WorkQuest is pleased to provide opportunities that support its continued success.
WorkQuest staff, Rosa Valdez (left) and Jennifer Cortez (right), attending the 2026 Goodwill Annual Board Meeting & Recognition Dinner in celebration of employee achievements
WorkQuest was proud to be represented at Goodwill’s Annual Board Meeting & Recognition Dinner by staff members, Rosa Valdez and Jennifer Cortez. The event brought together community leaders and Goodwill team members to celebrate outstanding achievements and dedication across the organization.
The evening honored employees through special recognitions, including the Achiever of the Year and Graduate of the Year awards. Both honorees shared powerful and emotional stories that highlighted resilience, growth, and the impact of opportunity through Goodwill’s programs. With a strong turnout and a welcoming atmosphere, the event served as a meaningful celebration of success and community impact.
WorkQuest values opportunities like these to support CRPs such as Goodwill and to recognize the individuals whose hard work and determination continue to inspire.
Purchasing from People with Disabilities (PPD) Advisory Committee Meeting
February 19, 2026 – 10:30 AM
101 E 15th St., Rm 244, Austin
101 E 15th St., Rm 244, Austin
AUSTIN ⎯ This February, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting the value of CTE programs and the students who are preparing for high-skill technical careers in more than 460 different fields across the state.
“The Texas workforce is bigger and better than ever before, in large part because of our historic investments in career training and education,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “During my time in office, we have provided millions in grants to prepare Texans for the jobs of tomorrow. We have opened new pathways to expand academic and technical programs across Texas for students to gain access to high-paying jobs. These opportunities ensure Texas remains the best state to live, work and raise a family.”
Governor Abbott issued a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as CTE Month in Texas. This recognition highlights the value of career and technical education in providing students with practical skills and pathways to rewarding careers.
“Career and technical education can be a powerful tool to achieve career success and economic prosperity,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC is committed to partnering with employers and educators to support CTE programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs. The education of young Texans not only strengthens our workforce system, but also Texas’ reputation as the best state for doing business.”
TWC supports CTE through the Dual Credit grant Program and the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program. Dual Credit, supported through the Skills Development Fund, pays for equipment used by high school students taking college courses that align with local industry needs. JET grants help schools create or expand CTE training for in-demand occupations. Together, these programs have given more than 67,000 students the skills they need for success.
TWC and Workforce Solutions career coaches work with CTE programs at Texas schools to give students Labor Market and Career Information from workforce experts. Career coaches provide students with practical guidance about career readiness, secondary education pathways, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and internships.
TWC also champions Texas Career Signing Day to celebrate high school students who enter careers or pathways leading to in-demand jobs right out of high school. This initiative encourages partnerships among schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programs to help students smoothly transition into the workforce. CTE counselors can use the Career Signing Day toolkit to prepare for their events.
To raise awareness about CTE programs, the 28 Workforce Development Boards host career exploration events throughout the year. Typically coordinated with high schools and community colleges, these events recognize the value in preparing students for future careers and developing high-demand skills. Texans can locate their local Workforce Solutions office by visiting twc.texas.gov/find-locations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation issued January 28, 2026.
Texas Workforce Commission Meeting
February 3, 2026 – 10:00 AM
TWC Main Building – Room 244101 East 15th Street Austin, Texas 78778
Texas Workforce Commission Meeting
January 27, 2026 – 10:00 AM
TWC Main Building – Room 244 101 East 15th Street Austin, Texas 78778
Texas Workforce Commission Meeting
January 20, 2026 – 2:00 PM
TWC Main Building – Room 244 101 East 15th Street Austin, Texas 78778
On Sunday, January 4, Texans joined people around the world in recognizing World Braille Day, a day dedicated to honoring the vital role braille plays in literacy, education, employment, and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.
In recognition of this important day, Governor Greg Abbott issued a World Braille Day Proclamation, reaffirming Texas’ commitment to accessibility, literacy, and opportunity for all. The proclamation highlights braille as the foundation of literacy for blind and visually impaired students and recognizes Texas’ leadership in ensuring instructional materials are accessible to learners across the state.
To continue learning and reflecting on the impact of braille, we encourage you to listen to this braille awareness podcast from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The episode explores the history, importance, and continued relevance of braille in today’s world: https://tsbvi.podbean.com/e/braille-awareness/.
World Braille Day is a reminder that access to information is essential to full participation in our communities. The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities thanks the educators, advocates, and organizations across Texas who continue to champion braille literacy and expand opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision.
The State of Texas recognizes October as Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month. This observance was created by the Texas Legislature in 2011 to honor the many achievements of people with disabilities, promote understanding of the disability rights movement, and reaffirm our shared commitment to accessibility for all.
The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities provides resources including articles, webinars, and educational materials to help Texans participate and learn more about different disabilities. Schools, state agencies, and communities are encouraged to join in by sharing stories, hosting events, and highlighting the historic impact of Texans with disabilities.
Learn more and access resources here: Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities – History and Awareness Month
In Governor Abbott’s proclamation he stated, “Each year, the month of October is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of people with disabilities…Let us ensure that all Texans, regardless of ability status, can help to build the Texas of Tomorrow. “
