The San Antonio Economic Development Corporation (SAEDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to focus on creating jobs and promoting long term economic growth specific to the San Antonio regional business ecosystem. The SAEDC seeks to help grow current businesses, create new start-up companies, and attract new business to the area.

The TX FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program allows individuals to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology through St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus while working for a TX FAME company.

In this two-year Department of Labor registered apprenticeship, individuals attend classes two days a week and spend the remaining three days at their sponsoring company.

The benefit to the individual is that they are earning while learning, getting their education, and building their resume all at the same time...and with the potential of zero student debt!

Individuals must both apply and be accepted to Alamo Colleges and a TX FAME company for the duration of the program.

TX FAME companies have the flexibility of upskilling incumbent employees through this program or interviewing and bringing on an external candidate.

Application is a two-step process. Candidates must submit both an ApplyTexas application and a TX FAME application. Below are checklists for each application that explain each step and the appropriate documents needed. For application assistance, please contact Fernando Rover.

• Must be 18 years or older to apply.
• To access the TX FAME application checklist, click here.
• To access the ApplyTexas application checklist, click here.
• Must score at or above the minimum Texas Success Initiative (TSI) scores for College Readiness (Reading: 350 Mathematics: 351). For TSI Exemptions, please click here.

This program demystifies industry for high school students through half a day of work-based learning. The experience allows students to see career options firsthand and gain skills that employers need

We are seeking more employers across all industries to join in building our region's talent pipeline by taking the first step and participating in Job Shadow Days.

Participation is a win-win for the community: employers can promote their companies and jobs to a talent pool early in their career exploration, and students learn about career opportunities right here in our region.

Services available in the Good Careers Centers include:

• Job preparation, placement, retention, and advancement.
• Access to equipment, assistance with job searches, and case managers who provide resume templates, complete assessments, and United Way referrals and supports.
• Home, education, and car savings programs whereby if qualified, people can save $1 to have it matched by $3 and $4 depending upon the funded program availability.
• Access to free and low-cost preventive health services through our partnership with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and University Health System. We have already provided over 10,000 health services, including thousands of health screenings and nearly 7,000 immunizations.
• Access to financial literacy programs and banking services that are designed to mitigate predatory lending practices.
• Career training and certifications in fields such as information technology and health care and assistance in completing pre-requisites such as GED certificates.
• Referrals to local programs and services such as Food Stamps, TANF, Medicaid, etc.
• Registering to volunteer to complete community service hours, all the while having access to Goodwill's services.

If you have a hearing or vision disability, we can coordinate support for you.

With many students leaving high school unprepared to enter post-secondary education and/or the workforce, Goodwill San Antonio developed and implemented the Career Navigator program in 8 local high schools with a focus on increasing career awareness, job readiness, and college success. The career navigators serve over 1,700 juniors and seniors, providing assistance with post-secondary planning including:

• Identifying a career path
• Completing and submitting college and financial aid applications
• Joining the military
• Applying for a job

We provide clothing, shoes, and hygiene items to homeless veterans that are in need. We partner with the shelter for homeless veterans to help those that served our country. No veteran should be homeless after putting their lives on the line for their country.

We offer free financial literacy classes as preventative measures to reduce homelessness in our military population. The classes are designed to teach how money works, how to invest, and how to utilize VA home loans.

Veterans; must show a need and a provide military ID or DD214.

Free.

Partnering with area school districts, Goodwill San Antonio offers a variety of certified training programs to high school students on school campuses. In addition to earning a high school diploma, students can train to become a Nurse’s Aide, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Diesel Mechanic, or a Welder.

This Good Careers Academy serves high school students only.

We can help you plan for the career of your choice.

Click here to learn more.

Free.

cafecollege provides FIVE key services:

• Helping students set and keep short- and long-term academic and career goals by building a college-going culture.
• Increasing awareness of career opportunities and assisting with planning of career paths, to include increasing student knowledge and awareness of STEM fields for career opportunities in San Antonio.
• Increasing awareness of higher education opportunities and assisting with college entry and enrollment.
• Increasing awareness of higher education opportunities and assisting with college entry and enrollment.
• Providing guidance and coaching as students transition from high school to college with confidence and success, as well as opportunities for character development, including the essential skills needed to become an effective leader.

High school students and adults with college aspirations but no college credit.

Free.

Upgrade is a program in San Antonio focused on supporting adults who have some college credit and have not yet finished their degree or certificate.

Our staff assist students through continuous advising and case management to ensure college success.

• College Application and Enrollment Assistance
• Financial Aid Application Assistance
• College Transfer Planning
• Career Exploration
• Transcript Evaluations
• 1-on-1 Advising
• College and Career Presentations

Adults with some college credit but no degree.

Free.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program aims to help residents achieve economic independence in five years.

The self-paced, voluntary program helps Public Housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program participants set goals to achieve in five years and earn an escrow check following program completion.

During the program, participants will receive or have access to:

• One-on-One Case Management
• Referral Services
• Money Management Classes
• Education and Training
• Career Counseling
• Career Exploration
• Job Search
• Resume Writing
• Interviewing Skills
• Parenting Skills
• Workshops
• Communication Skills

The Goslinowski Social Services Center provides assistance to individuals and families in a crisis situation to meet their basic and emergency needs in order to prevent homelessness. Services include utility, and food assistance.

Career Gear is a non-profit organization that builds strong families and communities by empowering low-income men to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. We promote the economic independence of low-income men by providing financial literacy training, a network of support, professional attire, career development tools, job-readiness and essential life-skills training that help men enter the workforce, stay employed and become role models and mentors to their families and communities.

Career Gear provides professional clothing, mentoring and life-skills to help men in poverty become stronger contributors to their families and communities..

Career Gear Clothing Boutique has a large selection of sizes and colors. Clients pick out their business outfit with the help of a Direct Service Coordinator.

Low-income men only.

Free

Clients have access to more than 300 on-line courses, at no charge, to expand or reinforce their skills sets. They may also test and receive certificates to validate their skills for prospective employers.

Must be enrolled in Dress for Success or Career Gear programs.

Free.

We are a networking organization for the women of Dress for Success, a place to empower yourself, a place to give back.
At a PWG meeting, we begin with networking time and then a speaker shares in their area of expertise.

Topics taught and discussed include:

• Financial Literacy
• Health and Wellness
• Balancing Work and Life
• Time Management
• Professional Development
• Professional Image Consulting

Women only.

Free.

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance, hundreds of employers, training providers and colleges, community organizations and workforce agencies, we are in it together, for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier for you. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our full list of programs can be found here.

Our full list of employers can be found here.

Our Partner Agency, Chrysalis Ministries, provides hands-on case management services to help for inmates and their families as they overcome the consequences of incarceration. Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intake
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Referrals for Training

The Alamo I-BEST Initiative provides training and employment assistance to workers and students who require basic skill development to succeed in technical training. I-BEST students benefit from technical training that is aligned with reading, writing, math or language skills needed for the job.

I-BEST offers Integrated Education Training (link to IET) training in fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Information Technology, etc.

Some certifications do not require a GED/Diploma; however, IBEST will work with you to get your GED and certification.

Anyone applying for any I-BEST program must attend the Smart Choice program.

There is no cost to students who qualify for I-BEST training, but attendance is crucial to success and students are held accountable for attendance.

The Victory Center at San Antonio College provides the following services:

• Academic Advising
• Education Benefit Certification
• VA Education Benefits
• Hazlewood Exemption
• Tuition Assistance
• MyCAA
• Transition and Career Center (TRAC)
• Student Lounge (Den)
• Tutoring Center (English and Math)
• Veteran Disability Claims Assistance
• PTSD Foundation Life Coaching and Support Group
• VetSuccess on Campus Counselor (VSOC)

This program serves serve veterans, active duty military, and their families.

LiftFund provides affordable loans and education to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to credit from commercial sources.

In response to the economic impact the pandemic has had on small businesses, LiftFund has partnered with various organizations to offer economic relief funding to local entrepreneurs.

Please click here to see available programs.

Free.

MEC's 10-Week Cohort Program offers a curriculum-based intensive accelerator program for minority, women, and veteran small business owners seeking to accelerate their growth. The program is taught by successful business owners who share their expert advice on how to grow your business.

The program is especially suited for established businesses (minimum 2-3 years in operation), or for nonprofit agencies who seek to accelerate their growth through a rigorous curriculum and under the guidance of the Maestro mentorship program. For questions regarding the cohort, email [email protected] or call (210) 693-9710. Please make sure you allocate an ample amount of time to complete the application. Additionally,

Program Requirements: Applicants will be scored per section by a review panel made up of community leaders and industry experts.

The applicant will need to commit to attend 2-hour sessions for 10 weeks, as well as Meet the Buyers (session 11) and graduation ceremony.

Application Fee: $200 to be paid upon selection and $100 to be reimbursed if all 12 sessions are attended.

(Please use a computer when filling out the application, as the use of a cellular device might create technical difficulties.)

The Maestro Entrepreneurship Program is made possible through The Woodforest Foundry, a grant by Woodforest National Bank and in partnership with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary five-year incentive program that allows Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing residents to accrue money in an escrow account as their earned income increases, allowing participants to become self-sufficient. Any increases in the family’s rent as a result of increased earned income during the family’s participation in the program results in a credit to the family’s escrow account. Once a family successfully graduates from the program, they may access the escrow and use it for any purpose. The FSS program does not affect eligibility for continued housing.

Upon successful completion of the FSS program, the escrow money saved can be used for any financial or educational goal the participant chooses. While completing homeownership and credit counseling classes may be required goals, the main purpose of the FSS program is to educate and transition FSS participants towards economic independence and financial empowerment.

The FSS Coordinator works with FSS participants in creating a plan to meet both individual and program goals. In conjunction with community partners, participants will be assisted with the tools needed to become self-sufficient, including but not limited to:

• Job Skills Training
• Employment counseling
• Educational and scholarship opportunities
• Homeownership classes and counseling
• Financial literacy classes and counseling

All Bexar County residents receiving assistance through the Housing Authority of Bexar County’s (HABC) Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing programs are eligible to participate in the FSS program, including all adult family members. As the requirement of the program dictates, only earned wages are calculated for the escrow incentive.

STEM programming for Latina girls to improve their access and understanding of education and career opportunities in STEM-related fields - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Major Program Components:

• Career exploration: Expose Latina youth to varied career paths they would not learn at home or in school
• College readiness: Tour college campuses in and outside San Antonio
• Enhanced math and science tutoring: Devote specific tutoring hours to math and science beyond homework completion
• Parent Engagement: Engage parents with career opportunities to offset gender bias around Latina career choices
• STEM curriculum throughout the entire year

Funded by The Eva Longoria Foundation whose mission is to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship.

Boys and Girls Club members ages 6 to 18.

Free.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio changes lives through high-quality afterschool and summer programs in a safe, affordable, and fun environment.

BGCSA serves kids ages 6 to 18 years old.

Call for membership availability.

Transportation is available from Hillcrest Elementary, Bonham Elementary, Briscoe Elementary, Harris Middle School, Brackenridge High School, Burbank High School, Advanced Learning Academy, Fox Tech High School, Cast Tech High School, KIPP Esperanza Elementary, KIPP Aspire Middle School, and KIPP U-Prep High School.

Clubhouse membership is $75 for the school year and $100 for the summer.

Teen membership is $25 for the summer.

Our SAISD and HISD extended day programs are on a sliding scale fee and require proof of income to verify household income levels.

At the foundation of all programs is the nine-month Parenting and Early Childhood Education offered parents and their children under the age of four. Families attend once a week Monday–Thursday from September to May. Services are comprehensive and designed to enhance the child-rearing skills of parents in order to foster the healthy development of their children and ensure school readiness in their children.

Parents are supported in meeting their educational and personal growth goals in ensuring economic stability. Monthly home visits assess the family home environment and reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Support services are provided to parents in order for them to begin building safety nets of support to strengthen their families. Classes are provided in Spanish and English.

The Services to Fathers Component is integrated into the Parent-Child Education Program. This program provides weekly interactive fatherhood classes presented in a support group setting validating their personal experiences with life copying mechanism. In addition, couples learn about anger and stress management, domestic violence prevention, how to express their emotions in a positive manner, and the community support and opportunities to achieve their goals.

Services Provided:

• 9-month Parenting Education
• Early Childhood Education and Care
• Home Visitations

Support Services:

• Nutrition Services and Education
• Access to Health and Dental Services
• Access to Mental Health Services and ECI
• Linkage to Community Resources
• Transportation (specific to boundaries)

Services to Fathers:

• Adult Education
• Workforce Pathways
• College Technical Assistance and Support
• Financial Literacy
• Parental Engagement and Leadership

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a child under 4 years old or be a parent
• Meet income federal poverty guidelines

Service Area Target:

• Zip codes 78207, 78228, 78237, 78204, 78221, 78211
• Bexar County

We can help you prepare for college.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Not enrolled in any K-12 school system
• Need a High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate (have not earned a high school diploma)
• Demonstrate the need for a refresher on adult basic education skills (have earned a high school diploma or HSE and tests below a 12.9 grade level on TABE/CASAS assessment)
• Demonstrate the need for English skills (by taking BEST/CASAS assessment)

Age-specific requirements:

• 18 years of age with withdrawal forms from the last school attended, and parent/guardian permission. Parent/guardian must be present at registration or student must provide proof (Utility bill in their name, marriage license or rental agreement) he/she lives separate from parent/guardian.
• 17 years of age with withdrawal forms from the last school attended, and parent/guardian permission (must be present at registration)
• 16 years of age with withdrawal forms from the last school attended, court-ordered documentation, and parent/guardian permission (must be present at registration)

Free for the student.

Verdant EDU is an educational support company that specializes in helping school districts in San Antonio find talent. We work with educators, free of charge, by helping them find roles in San Antonio area school districts.

This program provides education of college or university selection and scholarship information. Speakers are interactive and participants will leave with a plan of action.

Free.

RSVP (210) 735-9658 required for planning purposes

This youth developmental initiative is a community outreach project aimed at enhancing family and youth development in the areas of etiquette and manners; social graces; college and career preparedness and establishing your brand. Participants gain first hand knowledge of setting a table, financial literacy and effective use of social media.

Youth.

Free.

RSVP (210) 735-9658 required for planning purposes

Career assessments are essential in identifying where students are. BPLA and its staff implement assessments and mentoring to help facilitate this critical component in education.

Our on-line tool includes ACT’s WorkKeys, used in 32 states to assess employability skills or applied academics related to career readiness; and various types of industry-based certification or licensing exams.BaSiC Prep Academy’s staff is highly trained in areas that support school districts in making critical decisions about core courses, competencies, and college readiness for students as well as student-athletes.

Our staff will provide the following support and/or services to students:

• Assist in the student application process
• Review and evaluate transcripts
• Core course worksheet
• Clearinghouse/eligibility information (PSAT, PACT, SAT, ACT, requirements, workshops and testing dates)
• Assist in preparation of FAFSA Application
• Waiver Submission (Special Education)

Are you ready to leave the past behind and start over? For those who want to start a new life, a better life, Changin' Lives is here to offer resources, to listen, and to let you know that you are not alone. We work through your challenges to help you reach your goals.

We want to help you become a self-sufficient, successful, productive citizen of our community by connecting you with felony-friendly employers, affordable housing resources, medical and social services referrals, mentoring, and one-on-one client case management.

By appointment only. Please call during business hours to schedule an appointment.

Free