Howard College Awarded Grant for Electrical & Plumbing Facility

SAN ANGELO – The Lowe’s Foundation announced that Howard College San Angelo has been selected from hundreds of applicants to receive $400,000.00 to as part of the Foundation's investment in skilled trades training infrastructure through the Gable Grants program. 

Howard College San Angelo was selected from more than 200 applicants as one of the inaugural cohort of colleges winning Gable Grants to support its innovative and scalable trades training programs. The grant will be used to build a new center for its pre-apprenticeship electrical program and its soon-to-be-developed plumbing program, which will be the only plumbing program offered by a college in West Texas. This will allow the college to serve more students and help meet the skilled trades demand in local communities. 

    Fundraising efforts for the new training facility kicked off earlier this year thanks to the Home Builders Association of San Angelo member donations and efforts during  San Angelo Gives.  Over $25,000 had been raised before the grant announcement but another $375,000 was needed to start construction. The Gable Grants award means construction can begin immediately which will have a ripple effect on when additional training can begin.

  Pam Callan, the Provost of Howard College San Angelo, acknowledges the vital role played by HBA and Lowe’s Foundation, stating, " Our ability to expand and deliver training to meet the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople relies heavily on the support and funding we receive from organizations such as the Lowe's Foundation and HBA of San Angelo. Their commitment to vocational education and workforce development aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering individuals with the skills they need to succeed in their careers."  

     HCSA is planning for an official groundbreaking ceremony to take place on September 14, 2023.   There are still spaces available in the Fall 2023 cohort of Electrician Training starting on August 14, 2023.  Call 325-481-8322 for more information about the programs available through the department of Workforce Development