Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $3.5 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Texas State Technical College (TSTC). The funding will support TSTC’s Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP) at its Williamson County Campus in Hutto.
“Texas maintains its investment in high-demand skills training to open the door for Texans to have better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities,” said Governor Abbott. “With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development. Working together with our higher education partners, we will ensure the technologies that power the future are made in Texas.”
The ASTTP program aims to prepare students for semiconductor fabrication jobs as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists through a 10-week modular curriculum. The initiative includes establishing a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom designed to simulate industry environments.
“Texas is the epicenter of business prosperity in the U.S.,” said TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. “That is why we will surely lead the way as our country re-shores and builds up our manufacturing and semiconductor infrastructure again. Through this new funding vehicle, TSTC is proud to join with the Governor’s Office and other state leaders to keep Texas the place to do business in America.”
Senator Charles Schwertner commented on the significance of expanding access to technician training: “This grant represents Texas’ continued commitment to building a first-rate workforce for a world-class economy. By expanding access to semiconductor technician training, right here in Williamson County, we are preparing Texans to lead in the industries that define tomorrow.”
Representative Caroline Harris Davila highlighted legislative efforts supporting TSTC: “In my first legislative session, I was proud to pass House Bill 2132, which established Texas State Technical College’s location in eastern Williamson County as a permanent, independent campus to meet the region’s growing workforce training needs. This new Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant builds on that foundation, helping expand TSTC’s Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program and further strengthen our local workforce pipeline. I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continued commitment to investing in our students and ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of innovation. This investment will equip students with the advanced skills needed for a modern, high-tech workforce, create quality jobs for Texans, and support the semiconductor operations and chip production that drive our economy and are vital to our national security.”
Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023, creating both TSIF—a grant program aimed at supporting research, design, manufacturing leadership—and establishing related consortia like TSIC within state government offices dedicated to economic development initiatives.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott focuses on economic development strategies such as job creation and education enhancement while operating from Austin at its main office within the State Insurance Building. Under Governor Abbott’s leadership since his election in 2014 (source), these efforts have contributed toward making Texas a leader nationally in employment growth (source) while also advancing innovation through partnerships across sectors.
