Governor Abbott Announces Over $489,000 Job Training Grant To Lamar State College Orange

TEXAS, August 27 - August 27, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling $489,624 to Lamar State College Orange in partnership with Arlanxeo, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and Indorama Ventures. Through this grant, Lamar State College Orange will provide customized training for 241 new and current workers for high-demand careers as fire and safety specialists, nurses, machinists chemical engineers, lab technicians, and more.

“Our state is proud to partner with colleges across Texas to strengthen our workforce and meet the needs of our growing economy,” said Governor Abbott. “These critical grants will help Texans gain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and help employers access the skilled workers they need to grow and create new opportunities across our state.”

“Investing in our workforce through the Skills Development Fund creates pathways to economic prosperity for Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “With this grant, Lamar State College Orange and its partners will deliver tailored instruction to more than 240 individuals, preparing them for high-demand careers as lab technicians, machinists, nurses and other vital positions.”

Earlier today, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented the award to representatives from Lamar State College Orange, Arlanxeo USA, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Indorama Ventures Oxides, and other local partners during a ceremony held at Lamar State College Orange.

SDF is the state's workforce training grant program to help businesses upskill their new or incumbent workforce. In partnership with the public community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, TWC collaborates to provide customized, innovative training to Texas businesses of all sizes.

The SDF grant program has provided training opportunities in partnership with more than 5,000 employers to upgrade or support the creation of over 446,000 jobs throughout Texas since the program's inception in 1996.