Midland College Announces $20 Million Foundational Gift from the Scharbauer Foundation to Expand Career and Technical Education OpportunitiesJune 22, 2026

Midland College proudly announces a foundational $20 million grant from the Scharbauer Foundation to support construction of the new Applied Technology Complex, a project that will significantly expand Career and Technical Education opportunities for students across the Permian Basin.

The Scharbauer Foundation’s gift represents a defining investment in workforce training and economic development in the Permian Basin, reflecting the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to educational opportunity, regional growth, and the continued success of the Midland community. Combined with a recently executed oil and gas lease and surface use agreement that is expected to provide Midland College with approximately $35 million for the project, the investment establishes a strong financial base for the Applied Technology Complex and the future expansion of high-demand workforce programs.

The Applied Technology Complex will include three additional buildings dedicated to Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, Petroleum Technology, Automation, and Natural Gas Compression. Once completed, the expansion will allow Midland College to immediately serve more than 700 additional applied technology students annually, helping meet growing workforce demands across the region.

“This grant is an investment not only in Midland College, but in the future workforce of our region,” said Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and President of Scharbauer Foundation. “Scharbauer Foundation understands the critical role Career and Technical Education plays in sustaining the industries that power our economy and creating opportunities for generations of West Texans.”

The project will also create opportunities beyond applied technology programs. By relocating existing programs to the new complex, Midland College will gain additional space to expand Health Sciences dual-credit offerings for area high school students. The expansion is expected to allow the College to serve approximately 300 additional students in high-demand Health Sciences pathways.

Midland College continues to see strong growth in dual credit enrollment as students pursue affordable pathways into healthcare and technical careers. The Applied Technology Complex will help ensure students across the College’s service area have access to modern facilities, hands-on training, and industry-aligned education that leads directly to workforce opportunities.

“Partnerships with philanthropy demonstrate what is possible when a community invests in education,” said Midland College President Dr. Damon Kennedy. “The impact of this gift will be felt not only on our campus but throughout the Permian Basin for decades to come. We’re excited to expand opportunities for students and families that will in turn grow our workforce and fuel the regional economy.”

Additional details regarding construction timelines and future phases of the Applied Technology Complex will be announced as the project progresses.