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 existing employees at Graphic Packaging International. The training focuses 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 on the program’s impact: “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.”
Earlier in the day, TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett presented awards to representatives from Texarkana College and Graphic Packaging International at a ceremony held at Texarkana College’s McCulloch Industrial Technology Center.
The SDF program is designed as Texas’ workforce training initiative, aiming to help businesses improve skills among both new hires and current staff. The program operates through partnerships with public community colleges, technical colleges, workforce development boards, and organizations such as Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
Since it began in 1996, the SDF grant program has worked with more than 4,900 employers across Texas. It has contributed to upgrading or creating over 435,000 jobs statewide.
