The Greater Fayette Community Foundation is proud to celebrate nine organizations selected as 2026 Green Door Fund for Workforce Development and Education grantees.
Together, these organizations received $37,500 to support education, career exploration, vocational training, workforce readiness, and opportunities that help people build skills for the future.
Each investment reflects the Green Door Fund’s commitment to expanding pathways to economic opportunity across rural South Central Texas. From drone technology and welding to paid internships, automotive repair, youth leadership, and career preparation, these projects are helping students and adults gain practical experience while exploring what is possible close to home.
Schulenburg Secondary Schools | Service Area: Fayette County
Schulenburg Secondary Schools will implement a comprehensive drone education program for 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in Scientific Information and Research Development during the 2026 to 2027 school year. Students will gain hands-on experience with drone technology, coding, engineering, flight principles, and FAA safety regulations while developing STEM skills and exploring high-demand career pathways.
Fayette County Community Theatre | Service Area: Fayette County
Fayette County Community Theatre will expand its student theatre education program through two separate student-led productions. The project will provide hands-on experience in leadership, technical theatre, project management, communication, and collaboration, helping students develop transferable workforce skills through mentorship and real-world production experience.
Weimar High School | Service Area: Colorado County
Weimar High School’s Welding Beyond the Blueprint: Developing Problem Solvers and Innovators project will strengthen agricultural mechanics and welding education through hands-on fabrication projects. Students will build technical welding skills along with critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while gaining experience with industry-standard equipment and preparing for certifications, skilled trades careers, and continued education.
Alliance for College & Career Student Success | Service Area: Colorado and Fayette Counties
Alliance for College & Career Student Success (ACCSS) will support juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are interested in exploring career opportunities through paid internships. The project is designed to help create a pathway from internship to employment, with participating employers having the opportunity to support post-secondary credentials or degrees that prepare students to return to the workplace and continue their careers.
Rural Texas Automotive Solutions | Service Area: Fayette County
Rural Texas Automotive Solutions will launch a 16-week automotive repair vocational training pilot. The program will help refine curriculum, meet accreditation requirements, and develop partnerships for vehicle donations and service while preparing for a full ASE-aligned training program in 2027 to 2028. Participants will gain hands-on automotive repair experience and workforce-ready skills.
Mission Able | Service Area: Hays County
Mission Able’s Home Repair Program will develop youth leadership by engaging students in hands-on home repair projects alongside skilled trade professionals and community leaders. As participants help repair homes for elderly, low-income, and other vulnerable residents, they will gain workforce skills, leadership experience, and a deeper understanding of community service.
Reset Mentoring | Service Area: Williamson County
Reset Mentoring will equip justice-involved youth in Williamson County with workforce and independent living skills through the 8 Steps to Successful Adulthood curriculum. Participants will receive hands-on training in financial literacy, job readiness, life skills, and practical skills while gaining greater access to services through a new satellite location in eastern Williamson County.
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center| Service Area: Williamson County
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center will create a workforce development pipeline for future Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors through a six-month mentorship and certification program. Participants will gain practical experience in adaptive riding instruction, disability awareness, risk management, and PATH International standards while helping address demand for qualified equine-assisted services professionals.
Hesed House of Wharton | Service Area: Wharton County
Hesed House of Wharton’s Adult Education Program will support youth and adults pursuing their GED through a self-paced program in an accessible, community-based setting. The program also offers the opportunity to complete GED testing onsite and connects individuals and families with additional social services and support. The goal is to help participants pursue better employment opportunities, increase earning potential, and continue their education.
Congratulations to each of our 2026 Green Door Fund grantees. These investments reflect what is possible when local organizations create practical pathways for people to learn, develop new skills, explore careers, and build greater economic stability.
We are grateful to the organizations, community members, and partners helping open doors to opportunity throughout rural South Central Texas.
Learn more about the Green Door Fund for Workforce Development and Education.
