Laredo College is moving to build a local pipeline of fiber talent after securing a broadband workforce grant of more than $2.2 million to stand up a new training program for fiber-optic technicians.
Set to begin this fall, the program will be housed in the Laredo College Continuing Education Department and is intended to prepare students for work supporting broadband network construction and ongoing maintenance across South Texas. Laredo College said the funding will allow the college to cover student tuition and provide required training equipment at no cost to participants, positioning the program as a workforce on-ramp tied directly to field needs.
Laredo College said it plans to train 150 students and align instruction to an industry-recognized credential offered through the Fiber Optic Association. The college said eligibility includes being 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
The award is tied to the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program, which the Texas Broadband Development Office has described as a statewide effort funded through the Broadband Infrastructure Fund. State program materials describe a $24.6 million initiative designed to expand access to training connected to broadband jobs, including pathways such as credentials, microcredentials and degree programs.
In addition to Laredo College, other grant awardees include the CARDBoard Project, the city of Pharr, Etex Telephone Cooperative, the Learning Alliance Corporation, Texas A&M Kingsville and the Wireless Infrastructure Association.
Laredo College Lands $2.2M+ Broadband Workforce Grant
What to Know:
- Laredo College received more than $2.2 million to launch a fiber-optic technician training program starting this fall.
- The program plans to train 150 students, with tuition and training equipment covered by the funding.
- The award is part of Texas’ $24.6 million Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program backed by the Broadband Infrastructure Fund.
