On a recent announcement by Governor Greg Abbott, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) received a substantial $3.5 million grant boost from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to develop its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP). The program, designed to create a pipeline of skilled workers for the semiconductor industry, aims to deliver a modular, 10-week curriculum that primes students for high-demand fabrication jobs. As reported on the governor's official website, the funding will revolutionize TSTC's Williamson County Campus in Hutto into a state-of-the-art training facility.
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, during the announcement, Governor Abbott said, "With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development." The program supports Texas’ efforts to grow its tech workforce and attract business investment.
The ASTTP will feature a wafer processing learning facility, including a mock cleanroom to simulate real-world semiconductor operations. TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser expressed confidence that the program will help position Texas as a leader in the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing sector.
Senator Charles Schwertner said, “This grant represents Texas’ continued commitment to building a first-rate workforce for a world-class economy.” According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Representative Caroline Harris Davila added, “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.”
The Texas CHIPS Act of 2023 established the TSIF and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC), reinforcing the state’s commitment to growing its semiconductor sector. Administered through the Texas CHIPS Office, these programs use Texas’s resources and educational institutions to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
