[PRESS RELEASE] - The tech industry in the state of Texas is booming, with a growing demand for skilled workers in Cloud/IT support, software development and data analytics. According to LinkedIn, there are over 8,000 tech jobs currently unfilled in the state of Texas. To address this talent gap, AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance is expanding into Texas with support from key collaborators across industry, education and government with the goal of helping to modernize tech programs of study at higher education institutions, connecting learners to in-demand tech jobs and supporting the development of a highly-skilled tech workforce in the Lone Star State. "As the pace of technological change advances in every market, the need for a globally diverse, digitally skilled pipeline has never been more important. The expansion of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance into Texas further demonstrates our commitment to bring together government, education, industry and nonprofits to address this critical need and enable future economic growth," said Valerie Singer, AWS Global Education Lead. The initial launch of the Tech Alliance in Texas focuses on the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. These two major hubs are home to a diverse array of employers seeking tech talent and a robust system of educational institutions ready to prepare the next generation of Cloud and IT professionals. This launch represents a critical step in addressing the talent gap in the state's tech industry. Four of the state's higher education institutions have come together as part of the region's initial launch: Texas State University Houston Community College Dallas College Kilgore College Several of the state's most innovative companies will collaborate with AWS to identify talent needs, provide real-world learning experiences for students and hire qualified candidates into tech roles. These employers include Brooksource Corestack DLZP Group JP Morgan Chase Tanches Global Management TEKsystems "JP Morgan Chase has been deeply ingrained in the Texas community for more than a century and a half, tracing its origins back to the First National Bank of Houston," said Stacey Laurent, Vice President and Lead Technical Program Manager for JP Morgan Chase. "We prioritize investing in our community's individuals. As proud members of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, we eagerly anticipate contributing to the worldwide movement that revitalizes tech education and fosters a diverse, skilled pool of talent, enriching the landscape of Texas. Diversity stands as a cornerstone of our values at JP Morgan Chase; it is essential for fostering innovation and progress." Recently, Texas has been recognized for its innovative approach to aligning education policy to its economic goals. Central to these policies is the push to ensure post-secondary programming leads to high quality career pathways for Texans. This alignment of education, workforce and economic development goals fits perfectly with the goals of the Tech Alliance and provides a unique partnership opportunity with the state. To ensure that the program continues to amplify the state's priorities, AWS will work closely with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Economic Development Corporation. AWS has a long history of collaborating with organizations in Texas to advance workforce development and skills attainment initiatives. Participation in the Greater Houston Partnership's UpSkill Houston Executive Committee and the Dallas Regional Chamber's Board of Directors has helped position AWS as a regional voice in workforce and economic development. These organizations, along with Alcantar Strategies, will partner with AWS to leverage their extensive networks and community connections to promote Tech Alliance programs and connect learners to opportunities. Through its employer-led UpSkill Houston initiative, the Greater Houston Partnership has invested heavily in advancing the skills and opportunities for Houstonians, ensuring employers have the skilled talent they need to grow and compete," said Peter Beard, Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development for the Greater Houston Partnership. "Collaborating with AWS as a member of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance will amplify the work we are already accomplishing in Houston and advance the alignment of our talent pipelines to in-demand technology jobs in all industries." "The Dallas Regional Chamber is focused on improving the education, talent and workforce pipeline to support a high-quality life for all people in the Dallas Region," said Elizabeth Caudill McClain, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategies at the Dallas Regional Chamber. "The launch of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance poses an exciting opportunity for business leaders across Texas to join together to address the skills gap for high-demand IT jobs while also supporting the economic mobility of Texans - a win-win for the future of our companies and communities." AWS launched the Tech Alliance in June 2023 at the DC Public Sector Summit, bringing together a global coalition of higher education institutions, employers, government and collaborating organizations to address the tech skills gap. The Tech Alliance is currently represented in nine countries (USA, Egypt, Spain, Singapore, Italy, Germany, India, Colombia and Brazil), with four other US states engaged (New York, Illinois, Washington and West Virginia). Since its global launch, the Tech Alliance has connected more than 23,000 learners from over 900 higher education institutions with over 350 employers. To learn more or get involved, please visit the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance homepage.

As new development flourishes along the bustling FM 2920 corridor in Spring, the area is experiencing a remarkable surge in growth.  According to Community Impact, from 2016-2021, the zip code 77388, which encompasses the FM 2920 corridor, saw a 21 percent increase in population. As the North Houston suburb continues to attract residents, developers have expanded their footprint in the area. A Transwestern Houston Multifamily Market report shows that the Spring/Tomball submarket ranked the third highest for total new construction within the metro with 1,329 units in Q2 of 2023.   Click to expand Among the developments along the corridor are two new apartment complexes, Territory at Falvel and Virtuo Spring. Both are slated for completion this year. City Place, a 2,000-acre mixed-use district, is also adding a 326-unit apartment complex dubbed Echo Lake.   Additionally, the Everstead at Windrose, a 194-unit single-family rental community, is nearing completion. The project will feature world-class amenities including a resort-style pool, fitness center, playground, dog park and coffee shop.   Click to expand Medical developments are also growing in the area. The Spring Medical Plaza, a 55,354-square-foot medical complex, is set to open in May, securing a local surgical center as its first tenant. Kelsey-Seybold also recently opened its 40,000-square-foot expansion of its Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center.  “Kelsey-Seybold Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center has deep roots in this community, and as the area is growing, we are growing with it,” said Cecilia Fowler, Kelsey-Seybold senior director, Ambulatory Care, North Region in a statement.  Click to expand Gosling Oaks, a 50-acre mixed-use development, is also underway in the area. The property, projected to be completed next year, will incorporate 40,000 square feet of medical and professional office space, along with 100,000 square feet dedicated to retail and restaurant use.   Growth in development has driven enrollment rates at Spring ISD (SISD) schools to skyrocket. According to Community Impact, SISD’s enrollment increased by 628 students in the 2022-23 school year, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year—the largest enrollment growth the district has had in more than a decade.  To accommodate growth, SISD is set to break ground on a new a site for Spring High School in 2025. According to a SISD news release, the school will sit on a 185-acre site and will feature state-of-the-art amenities and technologies and modern classrooms.   “We are so proud to support the campus’ future growth and the limitless possibilities this affords our students,” said school board President Justine Durant in the same news release.  Click to expand The district also recently unveiled plans for the Education, Performance and Instruction Center (EPIC), which will serve as a hub for districtwide events, including educational and performing arts showcases and high school graduation ceremonies. EPIC is expected to break ground next year with a target opening date of 2027.  Learn more about Houston’s Neighborhoods and Communities.