National Reengagement Initiative (NRI) At New Ways To Work Partners With Trellis Foundation To Provide Technical Assistance To Community Serving Organizations In Texas In Support of Opportunity Youth

Aligned with national “Back to School” efforts, this partnership ensures that all young people have the chance to return to education settings regardless of their backgrounds or previous hu

Los Angeles (September 10, 2026)— The National Reengagement Initiative at New Ways to Work(NRI) announced today that the organization is partnering with Trellis Foundation in support of Opportunity Youth throughout Texas, targeting young people aged 16 to 24 who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market. With a shared belief that every student deserves the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential or degree, NRI and Trellis Foundation have a proven history of helping young people achieve the future they envision for themselves and their families.

“We are thrilled to align our efforts with the Trellis Foundation  building on their dynamic impact in communities across Texas,” said Andrew Moore, Director of NRI. “Through a strategic approach that serves the comprehensive needs of young people, this partnership provides career pathways that allow Opportunity Youth to become productive citizens who strengthen communities.” 

Positioned to provide technical assistance to organizations including El Paso Public Library, Lone Star Justice Alliance – Dallas, Memorial Assistance Ministries – Houston, and Prosper Waco, NRI will lend specialized support including consulting, training, advising, and administrative guidance to help these four organizations successfully reach and serve Opportunity Youth. With a focus on improving case management, bridge/transition to high school and postsecondary credentials, and pathways and system alignment, NRI focuses on the most vulnerable youth including Opportunity Youth, justice system-impacted youth/adults, and unemployed/underemployed youth and helps Texas youth get back into school and ultimately contribute to the local economy.

“This initiative will support local communities in creating opportunities and removing barriers for young people in Texas,” said Kristin Boyer. President & CEO of Trellis Foundation. “Our partnership with New Ways to Work aligns perfectly with Trellis Foundation’s focus on reconnecting learners so they can earn a postsecondary credential and advance their careers.”

Research shows that one out of every five high school students in Texas disappeared from school by their senior year and failed to graduate. With the statewide attrition rate in 2024-25 jumping three points to 21%, Texas public schools lost 95,984 students from the 2021-22 freshman class who failed to culminate during the 2024-25 school year. Latino students accounted for 66% of the students lost to attrition. The NRI and Trellis Foundation partnership reflects the intentional collaboration needed to address this complex educational epidemic, which fuels an economic disconnection often leading to subsequent social peril. 

About New Ways to Work Reengagement Initiative & COYN 

For over five decades, New Ways to Work has effectively provided technical assistance and capacity building with people and organizations across the country to help communities better prepare youth and young adults for bright futures. In partnership with California Opportunity Youth Network (COYN), New Ways draws on a history of building systems that support transitions for the economically-disadvantaged, those in foster care or engaged in the criminal justice system, those with disabilities, or those who are simply out-of-work and out-of-school and need better opportunities to succeed. Through its signature Reengagement Initiative, New Ways serves as a key mechanism for peer learning and technical assistance. Leveraging the most reliable programs and policies to get young people ages 16-24 plugged in to opportunity, the network consists of more than 600 leaders with 35+ operating sites. 

About Trellis Foundation  

Trellis Foundation is an independent grantmaker advancing postsecondary education in Texas.  We invest in programs, practices, and systems that remove barriers and promote student success. Learn more at www.trellisfoundation.org.