FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2003
CONTACT: Kay Hendricks, ACCD Coordinator of Communication
210.208.8006
ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AWARDED $500,000
FEDERAL GRANT FOR CENTRAL TEXAS TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The Alamo Community College District has been awarded a $500,000 Wagner-Peyser federal grant, administered through
Governor Rick Perry's office, to purchase equipment and furnishings for the Central Texas Technology Center in New
Braunfels, scheduled to begin offering classes in May 2004. The center, currently under construction at the New Braunfels
airport, will help train up to 1,000 residents of Comal and Guadalupe counties each semester for jobs in technical fields,
including those available from Toyota suppliers who may locate in the area. ACCD will be responsible for the management
and operations of the center. Classes at the center will be taught by faculty from the ACCD's St. Philip's College and
San Antonio College.
"The ACCD is proud to be a partner with the cities of New Braunfels and Seguin in bringing higher education opportunities
to residents of Comal and Guadalupe counties," said ACCD Interim Chancellor Dr. J. Parker Chesson, Jr. "We look forward
to a long and successful partnership as we remain at the forefront of collaborative efforts to broaden access to the
higher education experience and a better way of life," Chesson added.
Initially the 25,000 square foot facility will offer basic academic courses such as English, mathematics and history,
which will count toward an associate of applied science degree or certification in a technical field. In fiscal year
2004-2005, the center will add technical courses in manufacturing technology, CNC, lathe and mills operation, welding,
automotive repair and allied construction trades, including electricity, air conditioning, carpentry and homebuilding.
Funds for the construction of the center are being provided by the cities of New Braunfels and Sequin and by a grant
from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The center, although located in the city of New Braunfels, is in
Guadalupe County.
"This effort has been ongoing for several years," said Rusty Brockman, director of economic development for the New
Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. "There has not been any higher education available in New Braunfels for people who work
or for recent high school graduates. We are really fortunate to be part of a partnership with the ACCD that will provide
opportunities for our citizens to better themselves," Brockman added.