This year, Opportunity Austin made significant strides in workforce development by collaborating with employers, colleges, schools, and workforce partners to scale impactful programs and address barriers to access. Through these efforts, we’ve bridged the gap between industry needs and educational outcomes, laying the foundation for a stronger regional workforce.
Connecting Industry and Education
The Talent Ambassadors Program connects employers with future talent by engaging business leaders at every stage of the workforce development pipeline. Relaunched in May, the program engaged 45 companies across 12 industries, including tech, healthcare, advanced manufacturing/semiconductors, skilled trades, and other in-demand sectors. By spanning K-12 to career, the program helps regional talent better understand career pathways and opportunities.
Additionally, Opportunity Austin launched a new partnership with Texas State University’s TRIO program, creating pathways for students to explore careers, gain employer insights, access internships, and pursue entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Post-event surveys from our summer TRIO program revealed a 75% increase in student interest in key industries—proof of the program’s tangible, transformative impact.
Serving as a strategic enabler, the Talent Ambassadors Program fosters collaboration between industry and education to align talent supply with workforce demand, driving sustainable growth for the Austin region’s economy.
Expanding College Access and Readiness
The FAFSA Campaign, one of Opportunity Austin’s longest-running legacy programs, continues to close the gap in post-secondary attainment aligned with regional industry needs. In 2024, the campaign expanded support from 5 to 10 school districts, training 100+ volunteers to assist at 40+ campus events. Despite challenges from the delayed FAFSA rollout, our efforts led to:
- 8,500+ graduating seniors completing a FAFSA (63% of the graduating class).
- 3,000 students without FAFSAs receiving targeted outreach texts via OneLogos and ISDs.
- 900 students/parents served through workshops and info sessions.
- An additional 736 FAFSAs completed during summer outreach (June–September).
Thanks to these combined efforts, OA partner districts surpassed state and regional filing averages, placing among the top in Texas for the Class of 2024. This program ensures students can access trade schools, 2-year, 4-year, and advanced degree programs, fostering diverse workforce opportunities and connecting education to regional industry demands.
Empowering Diverse Talent
Looking ahead to 2025, Opportunity Austin is expanding its outreach to women, veterans, and first-generation college students. Programs like the upcoming HER Power Summit—informed by Talent Ambassador insights—aim to connect 100 underrepresented women to in-demand careers, further strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline.
Additionally, we’ll deepen our collaboration with TRIO programs and the Talent Ambassador initiative while scaling the FAFSA campaign to 16 school districts across Central Texas.
Driving Regional Impact
Opportunity Austin’s workforce development priorities focus on customized training initiatives that connect the local workforce system to regional businesses. This year, we continued efforts to link students with in-demand career pathways and training programs—helping employers address workforce gaps and fill critical positions.
If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out our Workforce Development Interest Form to learn more.
