ODESSA, Texas—Texas Mutual Insurance Company—the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance—is awarding a $100,000 grant to Odessa College to continue funding the college’s safety institute, which provides workplace safety courses for employers, employees and the general public.
This is the eighth consecutive year that Texas Mutual has given a $100,000 grant to the college to support its safety training program. The initial grant in 2019 was used to establish the safety institute.
“We’re grateful for Texas Mutual’s continued partnership and investment in our students and region,” said Dr. Tiffani Price, associate vice president for instruction, curriculum and workforce education at Odessa College. “This support allows us to expand hands-on training opportunities that prepare individuals for real-world safety challenges while meeting the evolving needs of employers across the Permian Basin. Together, we’re strengthening our workforce and reinforcing a culture of safety throughout our community.”
Over a 27-year period, Texas Mutual has awarded $15.2 million in safety education grants, and more than 83,000 students have attended free or discounted safety and health training offered at colleges across the state. The safety education grants are one way Texas Mutual is delivering on its commitment to build a stronger, safer Texas.
In the past year, Texas Mutual’s grant has supported training for 920 students at Odessa College, including 442 participants in CPR certification and 220 in early childhood safety, with additional students completing courses focused on workplace safety and energy industry practices. Funding has also enhanced the institute’s hands-on training
capabilities through the purchase of advanced equipment, including rescue mannequins, a scissor lift for trench and scaffolding training and updated ropes and cable systems.
“Texas Mutual values the vital role community colleges play in shaping a skilled and resilient workforce across our state,” said Eric Bourquin, vice president of safety services at Texas Mutual. “For more than 25 years, we’ve proudly supported these institutions through targeted grants that enhance safety training and workforce readiness. Our continued investment in education reflects our belief that safer, stronger communities begin with informed and empowered employees.”
For more information about the Odessa College safety institute, contact the continuing education department at (432) 335-6580. For more information on Texas Mutual and its work in the community, visit texasmutual.com.
About Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Austin-based Texas Mutual Insurance Company is the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, serving nearly 40% of the market and over 80,000 businesses. Since 1991, Texas Mutual has provided stable, competitive coverage, exceptional service and industry-leading safety resources to help build a stronger, safer Texas. Texas Mutual is also the parent company of Texicare, a health affiliate dedicated to providing innovative solutions that increase access to more affordable, easy-to-use, quality healthcare for Texas businesses, employees and families. With nearly $4.8 billion paid to policyholders in general dividends and $100 million invested in organizations strengthening our community, Texas Mutual is committed to the future of Texas.
About Odessa College
Founded in 1946, Odessa College serves more than 15,000 students annually through college credit, workforce training, and lifelong learning programs. In addition to its main campus in Odessa, the college operates extension centers in Andrews, Monahans, Pecos, and Seminole, Texas. OC offers more than 120 associate and bachelor’s degree programs, along with certificate options across health sciences, business and industry, and liberal arts and education. Odessa College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.