I’m proud to share a powerful example of how our region is shaping statewide policy and driving opportunity for our youth. On Tuesday, April 29, House Bill 3844, authored by Representative Villalobos, was heard by the Workforce Subcommittee of the Texas House Committee on Trade, Economic Development, and Workforce.

This landmark bill proposes the formal definition of Opportunity Youth (OY) in Texas law as individuals aged 16 to 26 who are not in school, not working, and not enrolled in postsecondary education. This population—often overlooked in traditional policy—represents a massive opportunity for economic growth, workforce development, and equity.

I had the honor of testifying in Austin in support of HB 3844 alongside Ann Vlach, Executive Director of Education to Employment. Together, we represented both the Texas Opportunity Youth Network (TOYN) and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, where I serve as Chair of the Education & Workforce Committee. It was a proud moment for South Texas—bringing a united, bipartisan message of urgency and opportunity to the Capitol.

Why This Matters

📊 Nearly 500,000 young people in Texas are currently disconnected from school and work. In rural areas, the disconnection rate is even higher—up to 1 in 3.

💸 $6.6 billion in annual economic return could be gained in Texas through increased earnings alone by reconnecting this population.

📈 This bill directly supports local programs like Elevate 361 and the Corpus Christi Opportunity Youth Coalition, which are co-led by E2E and the City of Corpus Christi. HB 3844 would give these efforts greater visibility and access to sustainable public funding.

🛠️ With the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) being reauthorized to include “opportunity youth,” Texas must define the term in state law to access key funding streams.

Texas has the data systems, partnerships, and pilot programs to lead the nation in re-engagement—but we need the policy framework in place. HB 3844 builds that foundation.

You can view the full hearing here:
🎥 Watch the testimony and committee discussion
📍 Public access info for Capitol hearings

📄 Click here for one-pager submitted to the committee, which outlines the economic rationale and policy recommendations backing this bill.

South Texas Is Leading the Way

This effort represents what makes South Texas strong: bipartisan collaboration, community-driven leadership, and a commitment to building pathways for the next generation. I want to thank our local and state leaders for their support and encourage our Chamber members to stay engaged as this important bill moves forward.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how this policy connects to your business, workforce pipeline, or industry sector, I’d be glad to speak with you directly. My email is bquintanilla@edexcellence.org and phone number is 361-537-8151. I look forward to discussion opportunities for our youth with you.