THE WACO CHAMBER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
BUILDING A BETTER WACO
Our mission is to create the leaders and workforce of tomorrow by focusing on workforce development, leadership and education.
Purpose
The Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation exists for the betterment of the Greater Waco community. It focuses on initiatives that support leadership, education and workforce development to create a strong talent pipeline and the leaders of tomorrow for the continued growth and prosperity of our community.
Areas of Focus
Supporting the Utilization and Success of the Region's Industrial Training Center, The WorkSITE
- Engaging local businesses, educational institutions, and the community to promote active participation in the center’s programs and services for skilling and upskilling the region’s workforce.
Convening Community Based Organizations to Build Regional Workforce
- Bringing together the region’s community based organizations to collaborate on creating technical career and post-secondary education and training pathways.
- Launching a regional communications plan to bring awareness of technical career opportunities.
Connecting Businesses and Education
- Fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions to build a career-ready workforce.
- Working with K-12 schools and higher education institutions to equip students for successful technical careers.
- Providing student internship, industry tour, job shadowing and teacher externship opportunities to raise awareness of technical career opportunities and pathways.
Engaging the Area Industry Managers and Building a Talent Pipeline Management System
- Activating AIM and leveraging their expertise to bridge the gap between business and education.
- Developing a Talent Pipeline Management system by aligning education with local industry needs.
- Ensure a skilled and job-ready workforce by informing curriculum and program development that aligns with evolving industry demands.
Supporting the inWaco Digital Talent Recruitment Initiative
- Attract individuals with targeted traits and skills to the Greater Waco marketplace.
- Enhancing Waco’s talent pool by utilizing digital platforms to identify and communicate with prospective talent, especially entrepreneurially minded individuals and the creative class.
Scaling the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program
- Providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry tours for high school students to build the future workforce and their understanding of technical career opportunities.
- Empower students with the tools to make educated and transformative decisions for post-secondary education, training, and career pathways.
- Since 2010, LEAD has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships with 98% of students pursuing post-secondary education and training.
How To Support
Your gift helps us advance our mission to grow and strengthen Greater Waco's workforce and talent pipeline.
- Make a contribution online via credit card or ACH payment.
- Give via check mailed to 101 S. Third St., Waco, TX 76701 and made payable to the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation
- Explore corporate partnership opportunities.
News
Texas Mutual Insurance Company awards $55,000 in grant funding to Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation to support workforce development
The Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation Awarded Grant from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation
Greater Waco Chamber Welcomes New Director of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation
2025-26 Impacts
631 students
participated in industry tours & job shadowing
63 students
completed paid summer internships
25 students
earned industry credentials
30 teachers
completed paid summer externships
270 students
were guided by 132 LEAD mentors
$104,500
in scholarships awarded
The Teacher Externship was such a beneficial experience not only as an educator but as an industry professional as well. Being able to work hand in hand with employers to tie in real world experiences to classroom lessons is something unique that students will enjoy and have a deeper appreciation for.
Justin Sanchez, Teacher, University High School, Waco ISD
More information:
Questions?
Vice President of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation
jhogan@wacochamber.com
254-757-5631
The Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; all donations are tax-deductible as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.