Texarkana College has received a grant of more than $805,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) through the Skills Development Fund. The funding will support customized training for over 335 new and current employees at Graphic Packaging International, focusing on high-demand roles in the paper manufacturing sector.
Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the importance of workforce investment, stating, “Texas invests in hardworking Texans to ensure that our state remains the economic engine of the nation. Through this grant, employees will be equipped with the tools and skills needed to enhance their high-demand careers and further grow our paper manufacturing industry. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their collaboration with Texarkana College to expand the better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide for Texans.”
TWC Chairman Joe Esparza highlighted the program’s impact on local businesses and workers: “Skills Development Fund grants open pathways to prosperity for local businesses and their workforce. This grant will help Texarkana College and its partners provide custom training to hundreds of employees in the field of paper manufacturing.”
The award was presented earlier today by TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett at a ceremony held at Texarkana College’s McCulloch Industrial Technology Center.
The Skills Development Fund is designed to help Texas businesses improve their workforce through partnerships with public community colleges, technical colleges, workforce development boards, and organizations like Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. Since its launch in 1996, this program has collaborated with more than 4,900 employers across Texas and contributed to upgrading or creating over 435,000 jobs.
