AC Awarded $500,000 TRUE Grant to Expand Pathways
Amarillo College has been awarded $500,000 through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant Program to expand short-term workforce training in high-demand business and technology fields.
The competitive grant is part of a $9.9 million statewide investment announced by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to help public higher education institutions create, redesign, and expand industry-aligned training programs that can be completed in six months or less.
“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.”
At Amarillo College, TRUE Grant funding will be used to strengthen stackable, non-credit-to-credit pathways that accelerate students from short-term training into associate degree programs, while preparing them for in-demand industry certifications. Planned certifications include CompTIA, SHRM, PMI, and Microsoft credentials, helping students and working adults quickly build marketable skills and advance their careers.
The grant will also support the expansion and redesign of programs within AC’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) area, with a focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data center-related skills that reflect emerging workforce needs in the Texas Panhandle.
“This funding allows us to expand programs we already have in place while aligning continuing education and credit pathways so students can move more quickly from training to credentials and into the workforce,” said Jacqui Jones, AC executive director of Grant Administration and Compliance. “It also supports upskilling for individuals who are already employed and need additional certifications to advance in high-demand fields.”
Local workforce data shows increasing demand for skilled professionals in cybersecurity, AI, and business-related roles. Amarillo College identified these areas as priorities based on regional employer needs, industry trends, and opportunities for career awareness and outreach, including cybersecurity summits, mentorship opportunities, and regional partnerships.
The TRUE Grant will be administered over a two-year period that began Dec. 1. In addition to supporting instruction and program expansion, the grant provides resources for outreach and awareness to ensure students and community members understand the training opportunities available to them.
Amarillo College is among 21 institutions awarded TRUE grants this year, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in workforce development and its commitment to preparing students for today’s—and tomorrow’s—jobs.