Mike Feinberg Transforms Career Training Through WorkTexas Initiative

Mike Feinberg, co-founder of Texas School Venture Fund, has been reshaping educational opportunities in Houston through innovative approaches to skills-based learning. After a 30-year career in education that began with Teach for America in 1991, Feinberg has turned his focus toward addressing the critical gap between traditional education and workforce needs.

In 2020, Feinberg launched WorkTexas, a nonprofit training program offering trade skills instruction at no cost to most participants thanks to various grants and scholarships. The program initially offered welding, carpentry, construction, and electrical certifications, but has since expanded to include plumbing, HVAC, truck driving, and medical assistant training.

“Technical skills are about 30% of what employers want,” Feinberg explains. “The other 70% all say the exact same thing – what we really need is people who get to work on time and can work as a team.”

What distinguishes WorkTexas from similar programs is its employer-focused approach. By partnering with over 100 local businesses, the curriculum directly addresses industry needs while providing graduates with immediate employment opportunities.

The program’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. The educational leader and his team maintain contact with graduates for up to five years, offering ongoing support as they navigate workplace challenges.

“We make a commitment to follow our students for at least five years,” says Feinberg. “We’re interested in what their situation looks like in terms of career contentment and creating sustainable lives for themselves and their families.”

Through Texas School Venture Fund, Feinberg also supports other educational initiatives including Neighborhood Schools and Project Remix Ventures, continuously expanding options for underserved communities while addressing critical workforce demands.