Region 16 Education Service Center (TX) – Panhandle Pathways Regional Solutions Report
Challenge
Comprised of 26 counties spanning 26,000 miles, the Texas Panhandle and its workforce development service area covers a geography larger than 10 US states. The Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC) serves school districts within the Texas Panhandle. In October 2023, Region 16 ESC was awarded the Tri-Agency Grant for Regional Conveners. Representing the Texas Panhandle within the statewide Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) as part of the grant, Region 16 ESC is overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of the regional strategy for high-quality career and education pathways into targeted industries. Region 16 ESC has led the formation of the Panhandle Pathways Leadership Team (PPLT), dedicated to partnering with area businesses, industry, K–12 education, and higher education to develop pathways that lead to high-wage employment and better opportunities for Panhandle residents.
Response
Region 16 ESC contracted with TIP to conduct a workforce and labor market analysis in support of its TRPN planning. During the initial phase of the project, the PPLT focused its efforts on improving career pathways in three areas: healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology. To assess the regional education and workforce development landscape, TIP conducted extensive quantitative analysis and stakeholder interviews. The analysis compiled baseline population, migration, industry, occupation, program completion, and job quality data for the region. TIP also mapped education and workforce assets and conducted a county-by-county analysis of socioeconomic, job posting, and commuting data. Interviews included staff from Region 16 ESC and Amarillo Area Foundation, as well as leaders from higher education, economic development, workforce development, K–12 education, and community nonprofits. Recognizing the challenge of scaling quality and accessible career pathways across the largely rural Panhandle, TIP used these findings to create a framework for collaboration and data sharing among stakeholders. The resulting regional framework is structured under three goals—access, building blocks, and curriculum—and encompasses recommendations specific to strengthening PPLT’s target career pathways. As a result of this effort, the PPLT is well positioned to execute ongoing strategic planning efforts for its workforce development service area.