Taylor Independent School District (TISD) is taking another major step in preparing students for the future workforce by advancing its Electronic Technology pathway through a new partnership with Austin Community College District (ACC) focused on semiconductor and advanced manufacturing careers.

Earlier this year, the TISD Board of Trustees approved a Memorandum of Understanding with ACC to offer the College’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing high school pathways, advancing the district’s continued commitment to expanding college, career, and workforce readiness opportunities for all students. 

The high school pathway allows students to:

• Earn industry-aligned certifications from ACC’s nationally recognized semiconductor and advanced manufacturing programs while in high school
• Access ACC dual credit coursework connected to the College’s semiconductor manufacturing programs
• Pursue apprenticeships and full-time employment opportunities upon graduation
• Continue into associate degree and university transfer programs
• Prepare for engineering pathways and advanced technical careers
• Build skills aligned with regional workforce demands
• Learn directly from embedded ACC staff 

Upon completion, students can earn an Automation, Robotics & Semiconductor Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization Level 1 Certificate.

“This is a transformational moment for our students and our community,” said Taylor ISD Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Ph.D. “Taylor ISD is uniquely positioned to provide students with world-class opportunities connected directly to the industries shaping the future of Central Texas. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates with meaningful skills, real-world experiences, and access to high-demand careers right here in our region.”

As one of the fastest-growing industries in Central Texas, semiconductor manufacturing continues to create unprecedented opportunities for students entering technical, engineering, and advanced manufacturing fields. Through this partnership, Taylor ISD students gain access to stackable certifications, dual credit opportunities, apprenticeships, workforce training, and university transfer pathways aligned with the evolving needs of major industry employers in the region.

The partnership is designed to create a seamless student experience that supports multiple postsecondary options, including immediate employment opportunities, engineering degrees, and advanced technical careers.

This partnership with ACC is the first of its kind at TISD—marking a significant step in providing access for students in Williamson County, which is a growing hub for the growing semiconductor industry.

“This pathway brings together academic rigor, college access, and workforce alignment in a way that creates real momentum for students,” said TISD Chief Academic Officer Megan Zembik. “It ensures they graduate with both the knowledge and the credentials needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.”

Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, Taylor ISD identified the need for a comprehensive and flexible “stackable” academic model that allows students to pursue multiple pathways within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.

The pathway is designed to support both technical workforce entry and long-term academic advancement, providing students flexibility as they determine their future goals.

“This work is about creating access,” CTE Director Steven Vigil said. “We want our students to have the opportunity to step directly into meaningful careers, apprenticeships, or engineering programs connected to some of the most innovative companies in the world. At the same time, we are building a sustainable pipeline that strengthens our local workforce and creates lasting opportunities for generations of students.”

The semiconductor industry requires multiple highly specialized technical roles both inside and outside of cleanroom environments, making strong industry alignment essential for student success, and this partnership with ACC will bring that to TISD classrooms.

The first courses offered to Taylor ISD students this fall include: 

• Digital Fundamentals
• DC Circuits
• Nanoelectronics Manufacturing Technology
• Principles of Quality
• Robot Application, Set-up, and Testing

To learn more about the program, visit ACC’s website, or to enroll your student, contact CTE Director Steven Vigil, svigil@taylorisd.org, or 512-352-6326.