Hutto, Texas, January 9, 2026
Texas State Technical College has been awarded a $3.5 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to enhance its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program. This funding will upgrade facilities at the Williamson County Campus in Hutto, Texas, focusing on workforce development in the semiconductor industry. Graduates will be trained for roles such as equipment and process technicians in just ten weeks, reinforcing Texas’s position as a leader in technology and manufacturing.
Hutto, Texas – In an impactful move for workforce development, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) has received a significant grant of $3.5 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF). This funding is aimed at enhancing the Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP) located at the Williamson County Campus in Hutto, Texas. This grant exemplifies the proactive measures being taken to advance Texas’s position as a national leader in the semiconductor industry.
The TSIF grant will facilitate the transformation of existing instructional and lab spaces into a modern training facility that focuses on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development. The ASTTP aims to provide a fast-tracked, modular curriculum that prepares individuals for industry roles in just ten weeks. Graduates from this program will be equipped for various positions, including equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists. Notably, the new training facility will include a wafer processing learning area designed with a mock cleanroom to simulate real-world industry workflows.
Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the necessity of such investments, asserting that they pave the way for better job opportunities and higher wages for the residents of Texas. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts with higher education partners to ensure that Texas remains at the forefront of technology development.
Strengthening Texas’s Workforce
TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser conveyed optimism regarding Texas’s leadership as the nation seeks to reshore and build a robust manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The new funding not only reinforces the state’s status but also signifies a commitment to equipping the Texas workforce with competitive and in-demand skills.
The TSIF was established under the Texas CHIPS Act, which was enacted in 2023. It serves to bolster semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing projects, aiming to sustain Texas’s leadership in the constantly evolving semiconductor landscape. With grants dedicated to educational institutions and state entities, the fund is a key driver for fostering innovation and job creation.
Recent Investments Reflect Growth Momentum
This recent grant to TSTC is part of a larger trend in Texas, with other entities also benefiting from TSIF funding. For example, Temple College was awarded a $9.8 million grant in December 2025 to create the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor, which will further enhance training opportunities and resources in the semiconductor workforce sector. This demonstrates a concerted effort across the state to address workforce shortages and equip Texans with necessary skills.
Looking to the Future of Workforce Development
The ASTTP is not just a program; it is part of a broader initiative to ensure that Texans are prepared to meet the demands of high-growth industries. By expanding access to specialized training, Texas is bolstering its economic infrastructure and creating a pathway for individuals to achieve personal and professional success in a thriving sector. This investment reflects a forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development that could serve as a foundation for future economic prosperity.
In conclusion, the $3.5 million grant to TSTC represents a timely and strategic investment in Texas’s future. The developments within the semiconductor sector stand to benefit not just graduates of the ASTTP but the entire Texas economy, reinforcing the critical role of education and innovation in fostering economic growth. Community members are encouraged to stay informed about similar initiatives and support local educational endeavors as Texas continues to advance its position in the global economy.
- What is the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF)?
- The TSIF is a grant program established under the Texas CHIPS Act to support semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing projects, aiming to maintain Texas’ leadership in the semiconductor industry.
- What is the Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP)?
- The ASTTP is a 10-week accelerated curriculum at TSTC’s Williamson County Campus in Hutto, designed to prepare technicians for roles such as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists in the semiconductor industry.
- How will the $3.5 million grant be utilized?
- The grant will enable TSTC to transform existing instructional and lab spaces into a state-of-the-art training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development, including a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom.
- Who is eligible for the ASTTP program?
- The program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the semiconductor industry, preparing them for roles such as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists.
- What other institutions have received TSIF grants?
- In December 2025, Temple College received a $9.8 million TSIF grant to establish the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor, expanding training opportunities in the semiconductor sector.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.5 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) |
| Program Focus | Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP) |
| Location | TSTC’s Williamson County Campus in Hutto, Texas |
| Program Duration | 10-week accelerated curriculum |
| Program Objectives | Prepare technicians for roles such as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists in the semiconductor industry |
| Facility Enhancements | Transformation of instructional and lab spaces into a state-of-the-art training facility, including a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom |
| Grant Source | Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), established under the Texas CHIPS Act |
| Governor’s Statement | Emphasis on investment in high-demand skills training to open doors for Texans to have better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities |
| Institution’s Statement | Confidence in Texas leading the way as the nation re-shores and builds its manufacturing and semiconductor infrastructure |
| Previous TSIF Grant | In December 2025, Temple College received a $9.8 million TSIF grant to establish the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor |
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