Prosper Waco Selected for Dallas Fed’s Advance Together Initiative

Prosper Waco was selected by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to participate in Advance Together, a three-year initiative supporting communities across Texas in strengthening workforce pathways and expanding economic opportunity.

Alongside partners from Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, the Greater Waco Chamber, and the City of Waco, our team is engaging in ongoing technical assistance and peer learning with leaders from across the state—bringing back strategies to strengthen our local workforce ecosystem.

Importantly, this work is already translating into impact. Advance Together funding is helping support UpSkill Waco scholarships for adult learners and paid student internships through the Greater Waco Chamber’s workforce and talent initiatives—creating more direct pathways to good-paying, in-demand jobs right here in McLennan County.

Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation, and with Governor Abbott’s recent formation of the Texas Jobs Council, that momentum – and the focus on building a strong workforce pipeline – is only growing. Communities across the state are leaning in to ensure they are building a workforce ready to meet current and future demand. We were excited to learn alongside other communities and strategize on applying the best practices to our work locally.

A key theme throughout the convening was the importance of alignment. When employers, education and workforce partners are working toward shared goals, we can create more pathways to opportunity for individuals and families.

The Federal Reserve research team also shared insights on how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. While technology continues to evolve, one clear takeaway was that durable skills like communication and problem-solving remain essential and must be a core part of workforce development efforts.

The future of Texas’ economy depends not just on job creation, but on whether we are preparing people to fill those roles. That is the work in front of us in McLennan County and across the state.

We are grateful to be part of these conversations and to work alongside strong partners who are committed to building a more prosperous future for our community.