A&M-Texarkana Receives Grant to Improve Labor Market Analytics, Enhance Student Success, and Identify Job Market Trends

TEXARKANA, Texas – Texas A&M University-Texarkana has received a $140,000 grant from the Trellis Foundation that will enable the University to gather the best data available for helping students make informed career decisions, while also enabling the University to track the career success of graduates. The University will begin using two new platforms, Lightcast and 12twenty, to prepare students for their careers, track changing market trends, and receive data on students in the workforce.

Lightcast provides comprehensive labor market intelligence that not only shows students where trends are happening in the labor market but also allows institutions to tailor new academic programs to specific regional market needs. The platform will also enable the University to receive feedback about where graduates are working, what they are doing, what they are earning, and if they are working within their field of study.

12twenty is a data-driven platform that helps to connect universities and their students to more than 350,000 employers. It is designed to help students and alumni find internships, full-time jobs, and mentors. It centralizes career development resources, allowing users to browse job postings, connect with mentors through a dedicated module, and access networking opportunities.

“We are extremely thankful for the Trellis Foundation and their support of Texas A&M University-Texarkana,” said Randall Brumfield, A&M-Texarkana Executive Director of Student Success. “The tools provided will empower A&M-Texarkana students and faculty with the most current and comprehensive information on occupations, skills, and credentials needed in the marketplace now and in the future.  These resources will also help strengthen the University’s capacity for coordinating career planning and preparedness with economic development partners in the region, which includes connecting each student with employers and alumni for internship and mentorship opportunities.”

"The Trellis Foundation is proud to support this collaboration between Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Lightcast, and the community to ensure that students are ready and have the experience needed to meet the workforce needs of the Northeast Texas region," said Kristin Boyer, Trellis Foundation President & CEO.