GERONIMO, Texas — July 15, 2026 — Navarro Independent School District is excited to announce a collaboration to develop a manufacturing program of study supported through partnership with Caterpillar Inc., Texas State Technical College (TSTC), the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Seguin Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Seguin. Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley joined local leaders for the workforce development announcement on July 2, 2026, at the Caterpillar Inc. manufacturing facility in Seguin.

Governor Greg Abbott, alongside Caterpillar Inc. Chief Human Resources Officer Christy Pambianchi and Senior Vice-President Steve Ferguson, celebrated Caterpillar's investment of $5 million as part of their “Building the Future Workforce” initiative to train and upskill the future workforce in Texas.

The announcement is a core component of Caterpillar’s $100 million workforce pledge, established during the company’s Centennial celebration, to spark interest in advanced manufacturing careers, prepare American workers for the future, and unlock high-quality jobs.

In a momentous win for local education and economic growth, Navarro ISD, neighboring Seguin ISD, and TSTC have been selected to pilot an innovative program with the support of the City of Seguin, Seguin EDC, and the Chamber of Commerce. Increased community connections and hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing pathways and career opportunities allow students to be prepared for careers right here in their home community.

The initiative allows local high school students access to industry resources, experiences, and certified instructors through TSTC and Caterpillar. Once the program is implemented, the intent is to share it with additional communities for replication nationwide.

Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley expressed great enthusiasm for the flagship partnership for workforce education and the impact it will have on Navarro ISD students.

"It is an incredible opportunity to help shape innovative workforce training for students, with Caterpillar, through an approach that will fundamentally strengthen career opportunities and the future of the manufacturing workforce," said Dr. Epley. "Being chosen alongside Seguin ISD and TSTC to develop this program means that Navarro ISD is at the forefront of educational innovation.”

She further expressed gratitude to Caterpillar for their investment in our community’s youth that by, “bringing certified instructors and hands-on manufacturing pathways directly to our students will open doors to high-paying, cutting-edge careers right here in our own backyard.”

The event, titled Caterpillar Inc. - Building the Future Workforce, took place at the Caterpillar facility in Seguin. Through this partnership in education and workforce development, Navarro ISD continues its mission to build collaborative partnerships and positive relationships that connect students with real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pipelines to successful futures right here in the heart of Geronimo.