The University of Houston is leading a collaborative effort to empower underserved communities along the Texas Gulf Coast, ensuring they benefit from the emerging hydrogen economy. The project focuses on workforce development, involving local communities in planning opportunities and providing tailored training programs. A key aspect is the creation of a publicly available online toolkit to guide workforce engagement for equitable access to emerging job opportunities. This initiative, selected by the U.S. Department of Energy, aligns with national efforts to strengthen the U.S. labor force for clean energy industries. The goal is to reshape how energy investments benefit local communities and ensure a more inclusive approach to workforce development. By engaging with local communities, setting up workforce councils, and developing resources like webinars and toolkits, the project aims to create a sustainable and equitable pathway for communities to thrive in the new hydrogen economy. With a focus on community input and collaboration, the University of Houston's project sets a precedent for empowering communities and driving economic growth in a clean energy future.