Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texarkana College will receive a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant of more than $805,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The funding will be used to provide customized training for over 335 new and current employees at Graphic Packaging International. The focus of the training is on high-demand jobs in the paper manufacturing sector.

“Texas invests in hardworking Texans to ensure that our state remains the economic engine of the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “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 commented on the significance of these grants, stating, “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 SDF program is designed to help businesses improve or develop their workforce through partnerships with public community colleges, technical colleges, workforce development boards, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. Since its inception in 1996, this initiative has worked with more than 4,900 employers across Texas and has contributed to upgrading or creating over 435,000 jobs statewide.