Federal Grant Secured: How DigitalFundHub Helped MT Training Center Launch a $500K+ Equity-Driven Learning Initiative
Client Background
MT Training Center (MTTC) is a Texas-based vocational leader providing career-focused education to underserved communities since 2001. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, MTTC offers 13+ certificate programs (e.g., CDL, HVAC, welding) with a mission to bridge equity gaps in workforce training. Facing low enrollment and completion rates among minority students, they partnered with DigitalFundHub to secure federal funding for their Equity-Driven Learning Project—a 4-year initiative to dismantle systemic barriers through financial aid, mentorship, and employer-aligned curricula.
DigitalFundHub’s Approach
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Federal Grant Targeting: Identified TRIO and Title IV funding aligned with DEI and workforce development goals.
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Impact Narrative:
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Highlighted racial disparities (e.g., 57% of Black students lacked college-ready course access).
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Projected 300% enrollment growth and 80% completion rates for underserved groups.
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Program Design: Structured around 5 pillars—outreach, financial aid, academic support, peer mentoring, and career readiness.
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Budget Precision: Allocated funds to staff training, emergency stipends, and employer partnerships.
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Evaluation Framework: Embedded real-time metrics (enrollment, job placements) and qualitative feedback loops
- Equity Gaps: Low-income and minority students faced financial/logistical barriers to vocational training.
- Completion Disparities: Hispanic/Black students graduated at 20% lower rates than peers.
- Resource Constraints: Needed funding to scale bilingual tutors, flexible schedules, and tech upgrades.
- Employer Alignment: Required proof of job-market relevance for grant reviewers.
- Competitive Grants: Outshining 500+ workforce development applicants for limited funds.
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Community Partnerships: Collaborated with local schools and nonprofits for targeted outreach.
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Financial Aid Overhaul: Launched FAFSA workshops, emergency grants, and full fee waivers.
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Culturally Adaptive Training: Added Spanish-language modules and evening/weekend classes.
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Mentorship Program: Paired students with alumni and industry mentors from similar backgrounds.
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Job Pipeline: Partnered with Texas Workforce Commission to guarantee employer interviews post-graduation.
✅ $500K+ Federal Grant Opportunity Secured (TRIO/Title IV) to fund the 4-year initiative.
✅ 40% Enrollment Surge (300+ underserved students annually).
✅ 80% Completion Rate among participants—closing racial achievement gaps.
✅ 90% Job Placement within 6 months (vs. 60% pre-grant).
✅ Scalable Model: Adopted by 3 regional colleges, expanding access to 1,200+ students.