“Through NexPoint Philanthropies, we’ve made workforce development in Plano a long-term priority,” said Lucy Bannon, NexPoint Chief Communications Officer. “Supporting the Plano ISD Education Foundation was a natural fit because preparing students with strong STEM and CTE skills helps create the local talent pipeline needed for the life science and advanced manufacturing companies we aim to bring to the district.”
Impactful funding programs
The donation is a multi-year grant, with $500,000 for STEM and CTE programs over five years—$100,000 per year—allowing the foundation to remain flexible and support emerging programs. This funding is supporting the district’s new CTE center, opening next school year.
“Students will gain hands-on experience with robotics, pneumatics, metal fabrication and other advanced manufacturing skills that are in high demand now and will remain essential for future careers,” said Elaine Anaya, CTE coordinator for Plano ISD. “The center will offer multiple pathways in robotics technology, preparing students for immediate workforce entry and further education.”
The other $500,000 is unrestricted funds, giving the foundation flexibility to support various programs as needs arise.
“We can use unrestricted funds where needs are greatest, whether for STEM classroom grants or ensuring all students can participate in programs like outdoor science camp,” said Brittnea Ussery, Plano ISD Education Foundation Executive Director.
Preparing students for success
Beyond funding programs, the donation equips students with the tools and experiences to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or pursue postsecondary education.
“Our goal is to provide relevant industry certifications so students can contribute to the community,” Anaya said. “We want students to graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical skills that employers value for well-paying careers.”
Bannon noted another key benefit: the impact of representation and role models for students.
“When students see someone who looks or sounds like them in a job, it inspires confidence that they can succeed too,” she said. “These pathways give students a clear vision of what’s possible and provide a tangible connection between their education and future careers.”
This partnership is about more than funding; it’s about creating opportunities and a stronger future for Plano students. The foundation and NexPoint are working together to build pathways that benefit students and the community for years to come.
Building tomorrow’s workforce
The NexPoint and Plano ISD Education Foundation partnership focuses on preparing a skilled workforce in Plano.
NexPoint is developing the Texas Research Quarter, a life sciences and innovation district to attract high-tech companies. Preparing students now ensures a talent pipeline as these industries move in.
About 20% of positions at the Texas Research Quarter will require a master’s or Ph.D., 40% will need a bachelor’s degree, and 40% can be filled with technical training from a high school or community college.
To fill these positions locally, workforce development became a central focus, and Plano ISD emerged as a natural partner.
“We connected with the ISD and we’re pleased to see just how much they were on the leading edge of some of the CTE and STEM programming,” Bannon said. “As soon as we started talking to prospective tenants, we realized how much the workforce is key to large employers and companies in the life sciences space looking to establish a presence in Plano.”
Strengthening Plano
The NexPoint and Plano ISD partnership goes beyond preparing students for high-tech careers—it’s strengthening the community. By connecting students with hands-on experiences in advanced industries, the initiative ensures that talent growth, families understand available opportunities and businesses benefit from a ready workforce.
Students gain valuable skills and become ambassadors for Plano’s possibilities.
“When students see how their skills connect to careers, it inspires them to aim higher and explore new possibilities,” Ussery said. “At the same time, businesses help shape the next generation of talent, creating a mutually beneficial cycle that strengthens Plano.”
Educators share that excitement. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and emerging industries lets students achieve seemingly unreachable goals.
“I’m really excited to be able to move forward and provide this opportunity,” Anaya said. “It’s really exciting to be on the forefront of some new and upcoming technologies, and I’m excited to see what our students get to do and what they can do. I think it’s really going to provide amazing opportunities for all of our students and Plano.”
Dive deeper
The collaboration between NexPoint Philanthropies and the Plano ISD Education Foundation is shaping the future of education and workforce development in Plano. To learn more about these initiatives and explore opportunities, visit the following resources:The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
