AC received its initial $100,000 award from Texas Mutual last spring. Those funds were intended to help AC establish a risk management program to provide workforce safety courses for local employers, workers and the general public.

The College did just that. AC has since offered hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) classes within the community. AC also has partnered with Optimum Ropes Access to extend safety training to those who work at extreme heights.

By renewing the grant for a second year, Texas Mutual has given the College the means of extending its safety-training reach. The College is making plans this summer to host an expansive safety awareness seminar that will help businesses navigate OSHA guidelines, promote forklift safety, and even focus on worksite CPR and first-aid protocols.

“We are gratified that Texas Mutual recognizes the value of our safety-training efforts so far and has renewed our funding for another year,” Megan Eikner, AC’s dean of technical education, said.

“This confirms that our approach to the promotion of workforce safety is suited to the needs of our constituents in the Texas Panhandle. We are delighted to be able to move forward and build on what we believe is a solid foundation,” she said.

AC is one of six community colleges in Texas to receive continued support of risk management programs this year from Texas Mutual.

Since 1999, Texas Mutual – the state's leading provider of workers' compensation insurance – has awarded $5.6 million in safety education grants, and more than 30,000 students have attended free safety courses at various community colleges throughout the past 18 years.