Leaders at the Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant in Taylor announced $22.8 million to fund local partners and programs Oct. 15 at the Made in Texas: Boundless Opportunity event.
The money will help create Samsung's new community engagement program called Spark!, expand workforce development partnerships, launch a new industrial trades training program and expand the paid internship program with Taylor ISD.
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Samsung established its 5-Star Workforce Development partnership program in 2023 as an initiative to build relationships with K-12, trade and technical schools, universities, and other organizations to establish a local talent pipeline at the Austin and Taylor plants, according to the company.
Current partners include The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Austin Community College, Skillpoint Alliance and Texas State Technical College.
Spark! is a new program to support local organizations and education systems across Central Texas, specifically in Taylor and Manor. Another new program is the Skilled Trades Employment Pathway, or STEP, program with Taylor ISD, which offers enhanced vocational training for students.
Samsung's $22.8 million investment will contribute:
$10 million for 14 local organizations through the Spark! program, including Boys & Girls Club of East Williamson County, Central Texas Food Bank, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, and United Way for Greater Austin
$700,000 in annual donations to local organizations
$2.66 million for the 2026 5-Star Workforce Development partnerships
$7.98 million toward three-year extensions for the 5-Star Workforce Development partnerships
$1.5 million for the STEP program
"As I look around the room and look at all these amazing young people, I believe that Samsung's greatest economic impact will be what each of these young people will do to change the world, their future and Samsung," Senior Director of Communications Michele Glaze said Oct. 15.
