AC receives $500,000 grant to boost tech and business training programs

Amarillo College has been awarded a $500,000 state grant aimed at expanding short-term workforce training programs designed to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled workers in business and technology fields.

College officials said the funding comes through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant Program, which focuses on helping Texans quickly gain job-ready skills. The award to Amarillo College is part of a broader $9.9 million statewide investment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

According to the THECB, the statewide funding is intended to help public higher education institutions “create, redesign, and expand industry-aligned training programs that can be completed in six months or less.” These short-term programs are designed to provide faster pathways into the workforce, particularly in industries facing labor shortages.

At Amarillo College, the grant will support training opportunities in what officials described as “high-demand business and technology fields.” College leaders said the funding aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the local workforce and respond directly to employer needs in the Amarillo area.

“These career and technical education programs are aligned to jobs available today in Amarillo,” said Edie Carter, AC executive dean of STEM and Academic Success. “AC is partnering with employers to develop the programs, making it a collaborative effort with the state to support our mission of building a talent-strong Amarillo.”

Officials said a significant portion of the grant will be used to strengthen stackable education pathways. These pathways allow students to begin with short-term, non-credit training and then transition into credit-bearing courses that lead toward an associate degree. By connecting these programs, the college hopes to reduce barriers for students who want to advance their education while entering the workforce more quickly.

The grant will also support the expansion and redesign of Amarillo College’s Computer Information Systems programs. College leaders said updates to these programs will help ensure students are learning skills that align with current technology standards and employer expectations.

Short-term workforce training has become an increasingly important focus for colleges across Texas as industries evolve and employers seek workers with specific, up-to-date skills. Programs that can be completed in six months or less are especially appealing to adult learners, career changers, and students who need to enter the workforce quickly.

Officials emphasized that the TRUE Grant Program is designed to encourage collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners. By working directly with employers, colleges can tailor training programs to meet real-world job requirements rather than generalized academic goals.

Amarillo College leaders said the grant reinforces the institution’s role as a workforce development partner for the region. By expanding training options in business and technology, the college aims to help meet local employment needs while providing students with practical, marketable skills.

The new funding is expected to support program development, curriculum redesign, and expanded access to training opportunities over the coming months. College officials said additional details about specific programs and enrollment opportunities will be shared as implementation moves forward.