TAYLOR, Texas—Oct. 15, 2026— Samsung Austin Semiconductor believes that strong communities are essential to a strong future. For more than 30 years, the company has partnered with schools, nonprofits, local organizations and community leaders across Central Texas to help create opportunities, develop talent and strengthen the communities the company calls home.
As Samsung Austin Semiconductor expands in Central Texas, it is increasing its community and workforce development investments. Today, at the Made in Texas: Boundless Opportunity event, Samsung Austin Semiconductor announced $22.84 million in investments for 2026, a new community engagement program called Spark!, the extension of their 5-Star Workforce Development partnerships, the launch of a new industrial trades training program and expansion of its highly successful paid internship program with Taylor Independent School District (ISD).
The $22.84 million investment reinforces the company’s commitment in key areas:
“Samsung Austin Semiconductor believes that investing in technology and investing in people go hand in hand,” said Bonyoung Koo, president of Samsung Austin Semiconductor.
“Spark! and the workforce development programs are about creating opportunities today that can have an impact for years to come. By supporting STEM education, community initiatives and skilled trades, we’re helping build stronger, more connected communities and a robust workforce.”
The investments build on Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s broader commitment to Central Texas. The Taylor expansion builds on the foundation the company has established in Austin, Manor and Travis County and extends its commitment to Central Texas and a new generation of semiconductor manufacturing.
Spark! Igniting potential
The $10 million investment supports 14 local nonprofit organizations that are making a difference across Central Texas.
The new Spark! program is designed to ignite potential and create lasting opportunities for individuals, families and communities across Central Texas. The program focuses on Taylor and Manor, two communities that are growing alongside Samsung Austin Semiconductor.
Spark! focuses on two key areas that help communities – Learn and Thrive:
Through partnerships with local school districts, nonprofit organizations, community organizations and other stakeholders, Samsung Austin Semiconductor will support initiatives that expand opportunity, encourage innovation, promote well-being and strengthen the communities where Samsung Austin Semiconductor calls home.
Spark! Partners and Investment Amount:
Creating career pathways: Workforce development
Since implementing its 5-star Workforce Development plan in 2023 to develop a talent pipeline for the company’s projected growth, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has invested millions in workforce development programs that support education, training and career pathways designed to help prepare the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing talent.
During the event, the company announced a three-year extension with The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and additional 5-Star Workforce Development partners with a total investment of $2.66 million per year. The investments support scholarships, fellowships, curriculum development, training and resources.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor is also expanding its paid high school internship program with Taylor ISD from 24 to 30 students starting the summer of 2027. For the past five summers, the company has hosted a total of 120 students.
With demand for skilled trades continuing to grow, Samsung Austin Semiconductor also launched STEP: Skilled Trades Employment Pathway. In partnership with Taylor ISD, STEP is an enhanced vocational training program for electricians, welders, pipefitters and HVAC professionals.
STEP will complement the district’s existing emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) programs. Samsung Austin Semiconductor invested $1 million in the district’s CTE program in 2023.
"This generous multi-million dollar investment is about opening doors for our students and giving them a head start on their futures," said Taylor ISD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen. "Thanks to Samsung Austin Semiconductor's continued support of Taylor ISD, new career opportunities continue to grow in our schools, and our students will be among the first to benefit. These new skilled pathway programs, expanded internship opportunities and community investment from Samsung Austin Semiconductor will give students the skills, hands-on experience and real-world connections to pursue rewarding careers and build a future right here in Taylor."
"When industry and education come together with a shared commitment to students, the impact is transformational," said Marco Ortiz, Taylor ISD board president. "This generous multi-million dollar contribution and expanded internship program are significant investments in the future of our students, our workforce and our community. We're grateful to Samsung Austin Semiconductor for being partners who recognize the potential of Taylor ISD students and are willing to invest in creating meaningful opportunities for them."
Building a future together
Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s investments reflect a long-term commitment to the people and communities that make Central Texas a great place to live, learn, work and grow. From supporting students and educators to strengthening nonprofits and creating pathways into high-demand careers, these partnerships are designed to expand opportunity today while helping prepare Central Texas for the future.
As Samsung Austin Semiconductor continues to grow its presence in the region, the company will continue working alongside community partners, educators and local leaders to create opportunities, strengthen communities and help build a skilled workforce for the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.
Media Contact: Michele Glaze, p.glaze@samsung.com, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Media Contact: Laura Bowman, lbowman@3pointpartners.com, 3 Point Partners
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About Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor is one of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world. For three decades, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been an integral part of the Central Texas community by being drivers of job generation, economic impact and engagement with the community.
Serving a diverse global customer base, Samsung Austin Semiconductor offers a wide range of semiconductor process technologies that influence daily life, including areas such as mobile devices, graphics, consumer electronics, networking, high-performance computing, the Internet of Things, RF, artificial intelligence and automotive products. Through successful collaborations with foundry customers and a relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technologies, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has established itself as a key player in the foundry market.
Employing more than 4,500 people across two campuses—Austin and Taylor—Samsung Austin Semiconductor is a prominent and growing employer committed to providing a dynamic workplace where employees can innovate and thrive.
Learn more at semiconductor.samsung.com/sas.
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