Houston Daily

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $9.8 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Temple College for the creation of the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor. This is the second time a TSIF grant has been awarded to a higher education institution in the state.

“Texas is where the next generation of innovation and technology is building, thanks to our skilled and growing workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “Through hands-on workforce training, Temple College opened doors to high-demand, good-paying careers for students throughout its nearly 100-year history. By establishing the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor, Temple College will expand skills training opportunities and create a continuous talent pipeline to meet employer demands in our leading semiconductor manufacturing industry. Together with our higher education partners, we will connect more Texans to better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in Texas.”

Temple College is working with Texas A&M University‒Central Texas (TAMUCT) on this initiative. The hub aims to offer upskilling and reskilling programs tailored for veterans and local community members, providing pathways such as industry-recognized credentials, short-term certifications, associate degrees, and onsite applied bachelor’s degrees focused on manufacturing and semiconductor technology. Training will be available for people at different stages of their careers—from high school students participating in dual credit or Early College High School programs to adults seeking new career opportunities.

“We are grateful to the Governor’s Office and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee for their investment in Temple College’s Central Texas Chips Hub in partnership with TAMUCT,” said Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce. “By investing in education and workforce development, we are not only preparing our community for successful careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing but also supporting the economic growth of Central Texas. The program will equip students and professionals with the essential skills needed to thrive in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the nation.”

Senator Charles Schwertner noted: “Central Texas is quickly becoming one of the most important semiconductor corridors in the nation, securing both our economic future and national security. Supporting the Chips Hub at Temple College ensures Texans, not overseas competitors, will power the next generation of technological innovation.”

Representative Caroline Harris Davila stated: “I’m grateful to Governor Abbott for announcing this important investment in our community. This $9.8 million grant will help Temple College and Texas A&M University‒Central Texas move the Central Texas Chips Hub from a vision to a reality. It’s a major win for our students across Williamson County, and it strengthens the semiconductor industry that is driving so much of Texas’ economic future. Together, we’re building a stronger future for our students, our workforce, and every family in Williamson County. I look forward to the new jobs and opportunities it will create throughout our communities.”

Temple College Vice President of Workforce Development DeDe Griffith added: “The new Temple College and TAMUCT co-designed and co-delivered semiconductor and advanced manufacturing pathway will include industry-recognized credentials, short-term workforce training, dual credit, a military transition training program, stackable credentials, an associate degree, and a bachelor of applied science all focused on semiconductor manufacturing and beyond. The hub will also serve as a testbed for research. The complete training system and the new degree pathways will be available at Temple College’s main campus in Temple and at the Temple College campus in Taylor, just a few miles from Samsung.”

The TSIF was created following Governor Abbott's signing of the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023 as part of efforts by the state's CHIPS Office within his Economic Development & Tourism Office division aimed at strengthening leadership roles held by institutions like Temple College within research fields related to semiconductors while promoting expansion among companies operating inside state lines.