Overview
Grade Levels
6–12
Ages
18–50
Number of Campuses
42
Year Launched
1999
Voice
Quick Description
TexasWorks is a tuition-free high school diploma and career certification program designed for adults ages 18–50. With flexible, custom-paced learning and the support of dedicated teachers and life coaches, students can earn an accredited high school diploma, industry-recognized certifications, and even college credits—while balancing the demands of work, family, and everyday life.
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Taglines
Educating Texans for the Workforce of Tomorrow
Texas Works: Connecting Schools with Opportunities
Unlock Your Educational Potential with TexasWorks
Earn your diploma. Launch your career.
Personality
- Empowering
- Supportive
- Respectful
- Encouraging
- Adaptable
- Dependable
- Practical
- Approachable
- Motivating
- Inclusive
- Professional
- Trusted
- Resilient
- Hopeful
- Forward-looking
Tone
TexasWorks’ tone is encouraging, respectful, and empowering. Success in our program comes from flexibility, understanding, and personalized support. Messaging reflects the balance between student determination and the guidance of teachers, life coaches, and career advisors who walk alongside them. It also highlights the opportunities that come with earning a diploma and certification while managing the realities of adult life.
The voice is that of a trusted partner in a learner’s future—clear, motivating, and compassionate—reinforcing that no adult learner has to walk this path alone.
- Encouraging, not patronizing
- Respectful, not condescending
- Empowering, not overwhelming
- Supportive, not overbearing
- Practical, not complicated
- Relatable, not overly casual
- Hopeful, never dismissive
- Flexible to life’s realities, not one-size-fits-all
Examples:
- “Your future is still in your hands, and we’re here to help you take the next step.”
- “We understand life gets busy. Our program is designed to work with your schedule, not against it.”
- “At Texas Works, you’re not alone—our teachers and life coaches are committed to your success.”
- “Earning your diploma isn’t just about finishing school. It’s about opening doors to better jobs, college, and a brighter future.”
- “No matter where you’ve been, it’s never too late to move forward. We’ll help you every step of the way.”
Example Ad Copy
- Version 1 (Concise & Impactful)
Build Your Future with Texas Works!
Gain in-demand skills, connect with top employers, and launch your career with Texas Works. Explore training programs and job opportunities today! - Version 2 (Highlighting Career Growth & Opportunities)
Your Path to Success Starts Here
Texas Works connects Texans with hands-on training, career development, and real job opportunities. Get the skills you need for a high-paying career—start today! - Version 3 (Focusing on Workforce Training & Support)
Train. Work. Succeed.
Texas Works helps you develop job-ready skills through training and employer connections. Whether you’re starting fresh or leveling up, we’re here to help. Find your future now!
Student Profile
Texas Works is open to all adult learners ages 18–50 who have not yet earned their high school diploma. Our most successful students are determined, resilient, and motivated to improve their future through education and career training. Because the program includes career certifications and, in some cases, dual credit, students should be ready to commit to both academic study and practical skill-building. While life responsibilities such as work and family may be part of their journey, Texas Works students come prepared to stay focused, manage their time effectively, and take ownership of their progress toward graduation and career success.
Mission
TexasWorks mission is to provide hope for students of all ages through educational options that promote a free society and cultivate moral and academic excellence.
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Values
Empowerment — Help adults reclaim their path to success by building confidence and skills for their future.
Flexibility — Provide learning options that fit around work, family, and life responsibilities.
Respect — Honor the unique experiences and challenges of adult learners with dignity and compassion.
Opportunity — Open doors through high school diplomas, career certifications, college credit, and job readiness.
Support — Walk alongside students with teachers, life coaches, and resources designed for adult success.
Resilience — Encourage persistence, grit, and determination to achieve long-term goals.
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Academics
Texas Works operates on a mastery-based, flexible learning model designed for adult success. Students progress at their own pace while balancing academics with career training and life responsibilities.
Individualized Education Plan – Each student receives a tailored plan that aligns with their goals, prior experience, and future career path.
Custom-Paced Curriculum — Adults move forward as they master material, ensuring true understanding without being held to arbitrary timelines.
Career Certification Programs — Industry-recognized certifications prepare students for in-demand careers while completing their diplomas.
Flexible Scheduling — Classes are designed to accommodate work, family, and personal obligations.
Supportive Instruction — Teachers and life coaches provide guidance, mentorship, and encouragement at every step.
Dual Credit Opportunities — Students can earn college credits while completing their high school diploma.
Comprehensive Resources — Child care, transportation services, and life coaching help learners stay focused and succeed.
Job Readiness & Placement — Career-focused training and, in some cases, direct job placement ensure graduates are ready to transition confidently into the workforce.
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Differentiators
Texas Works isn’t a GED program, and that’s the point. We’re built for adults who want a true high school diploma and a career path.
Individualized Learning Plan — Every student’s path is designed around their goals, prior credits, and future career aspirations.
Mastery-Based, Not Seat-Time Based — Progress is based on mastering material, not arbitrary timelines or classroom hours.
Career Certifications with Academics — Earn an accredited diploma and industry-recognized certifications at the same time.
Flexible Scheduling & Support — Designed to work around jobs, childcare, and family commitments.
Child Care & Transportation Assistance — Practical resources help remove barriers so students can stay focused on their education.
Adult-Focused Environment — A respectful, motivating space where students’ life experiences are valued.
Job Readiness & Placement — In some cases, students are connected directly with career opportunities after certification.
Dual Credit Options — Opportunities to earn college credit while completing diploma requirements.
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Terminology
DO Say
Custom-paced
Our custom-paced model ensures students move forward once they’ve truly mastered the material.
DON’T Say
Self-paced
Our self-paced program lets students finish however they want.
Why
Emphasizes guidance and structure rather than unlimited autonomy.
DO Say
High School Diploma
Texas Works helps adults earn their official high school diploma, not a GED.
DON’T Say
GED or Equivalent
Get your GED and move on with your career.
Why
Clarifies that the program awards a true diploma, which carries more weight in career and education pathways.
DO Say
Career Certification
Students earn industry-recognized career certifications that prepare them for in-demand jobs.
DON’T Say
Job Training
We provide job training so you can find work.
Why
Elevates the program’s credibility and professionalism—certifications are a recognized credential, not generic training.
DO Say
Supportive Teachers & Life Coaches
Supportive teachers & life coaches walk with students every step of the way.
DON’T Say
Tutors or Helpers
We have tutors to assist if you get stuck.
Why
“Life coaches” and “teachers” signal expertise, partnership, and respect for adult learners.
DO Say
Flexible Scheduling
Texas Works’ flexible schedule accommodates work, family, and personal responsibilities.
DON’T Say
Do School Whenever
Our program lets you just fit school in whenever you want.
Why
Keeps messaging professional and structured while still highlighting flexibility.
DO Say
Adult Learners
Our program is designed for adult learners with real-life responsibilities.
DON’T Say
Dropouts or Second-Chance Students
For dropouts who didn’t finish school the first time.
Why
Maintains dignity and respect for students’ journeys, avoiding negative labels.
DO Say
College and career readiness
Students can pursue a diploma, certifications, and even dual credit for college.
DON’T Say
Make Up for Lost Time
Catch up on what you missed and make up for lost time.
Why
Positions the program as forward-looking and opportunity-driven, not focused on past setbacks.
DO Say
Resources & Support Services
We provide support services such as child care, transportation, and coaching to help you succeed.
DON’T Say
Extra Perks or Bonuses
Our program includes perks like child care and rides.
Why
Framing these as essential resources conveys professionalism and the seriousness of student support.
DO Say
Respectful Environment
Our classrooms are respectful environments designed for adults who want to move forward in life.
DON’T Say
Back to School
It’s like going back to high school, but for adults.
Why
Reflects achievement rather than avoidance
DO Say
Motivated, Determined, Resilient
We celebrate motivated adult learners who are ready to take charge of their goals.
DON’T Say
At-Risk or Struggling
Our program helps struggling adults who need a second chance.
Why
Affirms student strengths and avoids stigmatizing language.
Grammar and Formatting
Accents
You should use accents in foreign words:
The French teacher introduced résumé writing during the career unit.
Book Titles
Book titles should be in italics:
Next week, students will read To Kill a Mockingbird in English class.
Ellipses
There should be no space between ellipses:
He hesitated…then raised his hand to answer.
Em Dashes
There should be no space on either side of an em dash:
The science fair project—built entirely from recycled materials—won first place.
Numbers
Use numerals when including numbers:
There are 7 periods in the school day and 25 students in each class.
Commas
Always use Oxford commas:
Students can choose from robotics, digital media, and business management.
Apostrophes
Add an apostrophe to a singular proper noun ending in “s.”:
The campus’s new policy improved student attendance.
Capitalization
Capitalize any word four letters or longer in a title:
Next week’s assembly is titled “A Future Full of Possibilities.”
Trademark Symbol Placement
Word
For names, words, and phrases, put a trademark symbol in the upper-right corner. TM, SM, or ® are placed at the top right corner of a trademark. Use superscript for a trademark symbol.
Example: TexasWorksSM
Word Mark
For word marks, including names and slogans or catchphrases, place the trademark symbol on the right side of the mark. Place the TM, SM, or ® directly after the mark and at the bottom right in subscript.
Example:
Image
For logos, place the trademark symbol on the bottom right side of the logo. Place the TM, SM, or ® directly after the mark and near the bottom of the logo.
Example:
Image + Word Mark
For images that are accompanied by a name, put a trademark symbol in the bottom-right corner. TM, SM, or ® are placed at the bottom right corner of a trademark. Use subscript for a trademark symbol.
Example:
Grade Levels
The preference is to spell the entire word for grade levels. They should be listed as follows:
- Pre-K
- Pre-K4 (only when necessary)
- Kindergarten
- First
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
- Fifth
- Sixth
- Seventh
- Eighth
- Ninth
- Tenth
- Eleventh
- Twelfth
If there is a grade range that should be listed, it is preferred that the word “through” is used, but if a design requires less space, an en dash (–) can be used between the grade levels. Grade levels should not be capitalized unless in a headline or call-to-action that requires each word to be capitalized.
Example: grades kindergarten through eighth
Example: grades kindergarten–eighth
If space is not available to include the full word for grade levels, initials can be used. Grade ranges can follow the same format as above. Kindergarten is listed as “K”, all other grades should be listed as their appropriate number. The word “grades” should precede the numbers. “Grades” should also be capitalized if followed by grade numbers.
Example: Grades K through 8
Example: Grades K–8
School Names
To ensure consistency and brand recognition, all campuses should follow a clear naming structure. School names must begin with the brand name, followed by a hyphen, then the city in which the campus is located. If there are multiple campuses within the same city, a regional identifier should be added in parentheses to distinguish the location:
Example: Brand Name – City
Example: Brand Name – City (Area)
Dates and Times
Date
Dates should be written with the capitalized day of the week, followed by a comma, followed by the capitalized month (unless in Spanish), followed by the number with a superscript “th” or “st”. The year can be left off if it is apparent that the date is coming within this same calendar year. If the year is necessary, add a comma followed by the numbered year.
Example: Wednesday, March 8th
Example: Wednesday, March 8th, 2032
Time
Times should be written with the a.m. and p.m. proceeding the numbers, include the colon in the time, and a space after the numbers.
Example: 8:00 p.m.
Hyphens can be used to save room on designs for start and end times. Preferably, “to” should be used between the times.
Example: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Preference: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Date and Time
To combine the date and time, use the examples above, and add “from” between the date and the time.
Example: Wednesday, March 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Addresses
Addresses should be listed as: Street number, followed by the street name, followed by the abbreviated type of roadway with a period (St., Rd., Ave.). If there is a second address line, abbreviate the location type with a period (Ste., Apt.), followed by the number, followed by a comma, followed by the City, followed by a comma, followed by the state initials, followed by the zip code.
Example: 0000 Street Ln., Ste. 000, City, TX 00000
Phone Numbers
Phone numbers should only include numbers and hyphens in the appropriate locations:
Example: 000-000-0000
Website URLs
Website URLs should be listed differently based on text alignment. If left or right aligned, the URL should be listed without “www.”. If the website URL is center aligned, it should be listed with “www.”. Never include “https://”.
Example (left or right aligned): Website.com
Example (center aligned): www.Website.com
Capitalize the first letter of each word in a URL to help with readability and brand recognition. Do not capitalize the domain extension. Capitalize the path as well.
Example: CapitalizeTheFirstLetter.com
Example: CapitalizeTheFirstLetter.com/EnrollToday
Headlines and Calls-to-Action
Headlines and calls-to-action are at the discretion of the designer based on the overall design layout. All letters can be capitalized, all words can be capitalized, the first word can be capitalized, or all letters can be lowercase.
Example: Headlines and calls-to-action
Example: Headlines and Calls-to-Action
Example: HEADLINES AND CALLS-TO-ACTION
Example: headlines and calls-to-action