Samsung donates $4M to help with education programs, student wellness
Samsung Austin Semiconductor donated almost $4 million to the Taylor Independent School District at the Oct. 20 board meeting designed to boost educational programs, training and health. Samsung spokeswoman Michele Glaze said the funds originate from new support programs Samsung recently created.
This was the first time the district specifically received benefits from the two programs sponsored by the South Korean tech giant, which is operating a second Austin-area plant in Taylor, officials said.
Also during the session, the district was recognized for its workforce development efforts and learned vocational pupils are helping with a plumbing project.
Regarding the gift from Samsung, the donations included $2.45 million from a new signature philanthropy fund called Spark and $1.5 million from the new Skilled Trades Employment Pathway, or STEP program.
Both programs were previously announced at a special Samsung event Oct. 15 at the Taylor fabrication site.
“Spark is designed to support the whole child, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom by ensuring no student goes hungry, championing health and wellness activities, enhancing early childhood programs and transforming (science, technology, education and math) in methods, mathematics, education,” Glaze said.
Last week, Samsung also announced would build a second, larger fabrication plant at the Taylor location, which the Press has reported several times. Glaze said the STEP program will help support that initiative.
“We believe this new partnership will provide boundless opportunities for this district to expand its current career and technical education offerings to include electrical and (heating-air conditioning-ventilation) on top of your already existing pipefitting and welding programs,” Glaze said. “Because we know, with another fab coming, we’re going to need more of the industrial trades.”
She also announced the expansion of Samsung’s summer internship program, which will accept 30 students instead of 24. To date, 120 Taylor students have been summer interns at the two Samsung sites in Austin and Taylor.
District receives workforce development award
The School Board Members for Latino Equity (formerly Mexican American School Boards Association) recognized Taylor ISD with the Workforce Development Initiative Award, one of the organization’s annual Recognition of Excellence awards.
It honors districts demonstrating a commitment to preparing students for college, career and civic life. The award was announced at the MASBA national conference in September, trustees heard.
The organization specifically looks for school districts that create innovative programs that connect students with career paths aligned with local industry needs, such as the district’s partnership with Samsung.
“Through industry certification, dual credit, paid internships, apprenticeships and strong partnerships with local employers and higher education institutions, our students develop the skills and experience they need to succeed after graduation,” said a district spokesman.
Last year, 200 Taylor ISD students earned at least one industry-based certification.
High School gets tiny home grant Students in Taylor High School’s career and technology education plumbing pathway will spend the year building a tiny house thanks to a $24,720 grant from the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation.
The foundation announced its latest grant winners at the Oct. 20 board meeting.
Trustee Anita Volek, who is also executive director of the district- based foundation, said the tiny home will be built on a trailer and may be used to showcase the district’s CTE program.
It also may eventually be sold to fund future grant projects.
Over the past 10 years, the TEE Foundation has given more than $950,000 to teachers, students and classrooms for school-related projects.
For the 2025-26 school year, the organization awarded $87,000 in grants.
Grants can range from $100 to $25,000. Volek said this year the organization has already received more grant applications than in previous years.
