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 is designated to support customized training for over 335 new and current employees at Graphic Packaging International. The focus of the training will be on high-demand roles within 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, “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 during a ceremony at Texarkana College’s McCulloch Industrial Technology Center.
The SDF program is designed as Texas’ primary workforce training initiative, helping businesses improve skills among both new hires and existing staff. The program works in partnership with public community colleges, technical colleges, workforce development boards, and organizations such as Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to deliver tailored training solutions across different industries.
Since its inception in 1996, the SDF grant program has partnered with more than 4,900 employers throughout Texas. These collaborations have resulted in upgraded or newly created job opportunities for over 435,000 workers statewide.
