FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College has received a $200,000 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Pathways Design and Planning Grant. The award furthers a $4.7 million state investment in workforce development aimed at preparing Texans for high-demand, high-earning careers.
The grant, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, will enable TCC to design more technical education pathways in sectors such as healthcare, technology and construction — industries vital to the North Texas economy.
“Texas students deserve clear pathways to high-paying careers,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who announced the award today. “These programs deliver the skills that help Texans succeed and keep our economy the strongest in America.”
TCC’s $200,000 award sits at the maximum TRUE Pathways funding threshold, outperforming similar grants awarded six other institutions across the state. The funding reflects an effort to satisfy Senate Bill 1786, which mandates closer alignment between higher education credentials and real world job demand.
“The future belongs to institutions that are willing to evolve,” said TCC South and Trinity River President Sean Madison. “This grant gives us the opportunity to reimagine how we prepare the next generation of marketing professionals by aligning our curriculum with the way business is practiced today.
“One of the most valuable credentials we can give students is relevance, and this investment helps ensure that what students learn in our classrooms remains tightly connected to how technology is changing work, how employers hire, and where opportunity is emerging.”
Shelli Gronenthal, dean of the business and industry and human and public service pathways at TCC Trinity River, said the award is a game changer.
Gronenthal: “This grant is an investment in the future of our students. It allows us to plan a digital commerce lab where students can gain hands-on experience in an environment that reflects today’s workplace. By combining work-based learning with opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, TCC certificates and an associate degree, we’ll prepare students to graduate ready to succeed. We’re excited to partner with colleagues across the College, industry leaders and area ISDs to make this vision a reality.”
The TRUE Grant Program was established in 2021 to expand industry-aligned credential initiatives that can be completed quickly. By focusing on high-demand occupations, TCC continues to bridge the talent gap for local employers while providing students transparent routes to financial stability.
“These grants make a difference,” Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said. “They keep college programs vibrant and relevant while fortifying the economies of urban and rural communities across Texas.”
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.