Abbott Awards Semiconductor Grant to Austin Community College

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has announced a $3.6 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant to Austin Community College District (ACC) for new advanced manufacturing and precision welding labs at its Round Rock Campus.

This is the first TSIF grant that has been awarded to a Texas higher education institution.

“Texas continues to lead America’s resurgence in semiconductor manufacturing thanks to our highly skilled and growing workforce,” Governor Abbott said in a statement. “Already recognized as a national model for semiconductor workforce training, ACC will establish a new semiconductor advanced manufacturing lab and a precision welding skills lab on their campus in Round Rock,” the governor informed. “We will ensure the chips that drive the innovative technologies of tomorrow are made in Texas.”

The grant will fund the creation of the 2,600-square-foot Austin Semiconductor Advanced Manufacturing Lab, which will feature a classroom, locker room and gowning area, airlock transition space, simulated clean room, robotics system, smart factory trainer, process metrology microscopes, and automation studio software.

ACC will also repurpose a 3,728-square-foot space for a precision welding fabrication skills lab, equipped with state-of-the-art tools to train students in fabrication techniques essential to semiconductor production.

State Senator Charles Schwertner (R) praised the investment, calling it “a testament to our state’s commitment to building a world-class semiconductor industry and expanding our high-tech workforce.” He emphasized that hands-on training programs like ACC’s will “create opportunities for students across Texas, ensuring our state remains at the epicenter of cutting-edge innovation.”

ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart also praised the investment, adding that the grant represents more than just new facilities.

“We’re expanding facilities and opening doors for hundreds of new students each year to step into life-changing careers,” he expressed. “This is what it means to be a college of the community – meeting the needs of our regional economy while lifting up every learner we serve.”