[PRESS RELEASE] - The tech industry in the state of Texas is booming, with a growing demand for skilled workers in Cloud/IT support, software development and data analytics. According to LinkedIn, there are over 8,000 tech jobs currently unfilled in the state of Texas. To address this talent gap, AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance is expanding into Texas with support from key collaborators across industry, education and government with the goal of helping to modernize tech programs of study at higher education institutions, connecting learners to in-demand tech jobs and supporting the development of a highly-skilled tech workforce in the Lone Star State. "As the pace of technological change advances in every market, the need for a globally diverse, digitally skilled pipeline has never been more important. The expansion of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance into Texas further demonstrates our commitment to bring together government, education, industry and nonprofits to address this critical need and enable future economic growth," said Valerie Singer, AWS Global Education Lead. The initial launch of the Tech Alliance in Texas focuses on the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. These two major hubs are home to a diverse array of employers seeking tech talent and a robust system of educational institutions ready to prepare the next generation of Cloud and IT professionals. This launch represents a critical step in addressing the talent gap in the state's tech industry. Four of the state's higher education institutions have come together as part of the region's initial launch: Texas State University Houston Community College Dallas College Kilgore College Several of the state's most innovative companies will collaborate with AWS to identify talent needs, provide real-world learning experiences for students and hire qualified candidates into tech roles. These employers include Brooksource Corestack DLZP Group JP Morgan Chase Tanches Global Management TEKsystems "JP Morgan Chase has been deeply ingrained in the Texas community for more than a century and a half, tracing its origins back to the First National Bank of Houston," said Stacey Laurent, Vice President and Lead Technical Program Manager for JP Morgan Chase. "We prioritize investing in our community's individuals. As proud members of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, we eagerly anticipate contributing to the worldwide movement that revitalizes tech education and fosters a diverse, skilled pool of talent, enriching the landscape of Texas. Diversity stands as a cornerstone of our values at JP Morgan Chase; it is essential for fostering innovation and progress." Recently, Texas has been recognized for its innovative approach to aligning education policy to its economic goals. Central to these policies is the push to ensure post-secondary programming leads to high quality career pathways for Texans. This alignment of education, workforce and economic development goals fits perfectly with the goals of the Tech Alliance and provides a unique partnership opportunity with the state. To ensure that the program continues to amplify the state's priorities, AWS will work closely with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Economic Development Corporation. AWS has a long history of collaborating with organizations in Texas to advance workforce development and skills attainment initiatives. Participation in the Greater Houston Partnership's UpSkill Houston Executive Committee and the Dallas Regional Chamber's Board of Directors has helped position AWS as a regional voice in workforce and economic development. These organizations, along with Alcantar Strategies, will partner with AWS to leverage their extensive networks and community connections to promote Tech Alliance programs and connect learners to opportunities. Through its employer-led UpSkill Houston initiative, the Greater Houston Partnership has invested heavily in advancing the skills and opportunities for Houstonians, ensuring employers have the skilled talent they need to grow and compete," said Peter Beard, Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development for the Greater Houston Partnership. "Collaborating with AWS as a member of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance will amplify the work we are already accomplishing in Houston and advance the alignment of our talent pipelines to in-demand technology jobs in all industries." "The Dallas Regional Chamber is focused on improving the education, talent and workforce pipeline to support a high-quality life for all people in the Dallas Region," said Elizabeth Caudill McClain, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategies at the Dallas Regional Chamber. "The launch of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance poses an exciting opportunity for business leaders across Texas to join together to address the skills gap for high-demand IT jobs while also supporting the economic mobility of Texans - a win-win for the future of our companies and communities." AWS launched the Tech Alliance in June 2023 at the DC Public Sector Summit, bringing together a global coalition of higher education institutions, employers, government and collaborating organizations to address the tech skills gap. The Tech Alliance is currently represented in nine countries (USA, Egypt, Spain, Singapore, Italy, Germany, India, Colombia and Brazil), with four other US states engaged (New York, Illinois, Washington and West Virginia). Since its global launch, the Tech Alliance has connected more than 23,000 learners from over 900 higher education institutions with over 350 employers. To learn more or get involved, please visit the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance homepage.

The Houston Astros are set to bolster their role as a major economic driver for the city with a new mixed-use district.   The district, which will feature a 17-story, 300-room hotel and 60,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space adjacent to Minute Maid Park, is expected to generate $5.7 billion in economic impact over 20 years, according to the Houston Business Journal. Announced last year, the project is part of a larger initiative to transform downtown into a premier entertainment destination like those around other MLB ballparks such as The Battery Atlanta and Ballpark Village in St. Louis.  Click to expand The project also includes plans for a three-story building that will serve as a gathering space for game day watch parties and live music events. The space will feature a large outdoor screen where fans can watch the Astros and other Houston teams such as the Texans and Rockets, as well as other major sporting events. It will also be enclosed by glass windows overlooking the ballpark that can open during pleasant weather.  "Our goal is it's an attractive area year-round, not just on game days, and it'll be a really great, happening venue," said Giles Kibbe, the Astros' senior vice president and general counsel, in a statement. "If you want to go to a public place to watch a sporting event, this is going to be the spot to go to."  Hines, the Houston real estate firm responsible for the Toyota Center, will develop the district. Meanwhile, Dallas-based HKS Architects, known for designing the Texas Rangers' Globe Life Field, is creating the master plan for the project. Construction on the district is expected to begin in 2025 and span three years, with an estimated cost of $327 million.  This significant investment comes as Houston's growing prominence as an international sports city takes center stage, highlighted by its success in securing major sporting events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025, 2027 and 2031 AAU Junior Olympic Games. The district will further strengthen the city’s reputation as an entertainment destination, drawing even more visitors downtown.   Learn more about living in Houston.