ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Texas Mutual Insurance, a provider of workers’ compensation insurance, is awarding a $100,000 grant to Odessa College, in support of the Safety Institute at the College. The Institute provides workplace safety and health courses for employers, employees, and the general public.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that the company has given $100,000 to the college to support the safety training program. The initial grant was in 2019 and was used to establish the Institute.

“Odessa College is honored to continue this partnership with Texas Mutual as a grant recipient”, said Dr. Tiffani Price, Associate Vice President of Adult Continuing and Workforce Education. “This grant will allow us to continue to conduct high-quality safety training within our region.”

Over 25 years, Texas Mutual says it has awarded $13 million in safety education grants, with more than 61,000 students attending free or discounted safety and health training at various colleges as a direct result.

Odessa College has utilized the grant funds to conduct training and collect materials for “Build the Basin,” a program that uses virtual reality, videos, and interactive sessions to explore life-saving actions and responsibilities that each individual can use as a safety leader. The grant has also helped to offer safety and rescue curriculum for the energy industry, as well as CPR and first aid training for the local community and school district partners.

During the 2023 school year, Odessa College said it was able to train 52 students in CPR and first aid and 60 students in safety and rescue specific to the energy industry. The college also used funds to train local early child care providers, owners, and employees on situational awareness.

“Texas Mutual acknowledges the vital role played by our community college partners in advancing our mission to build a stronger, safer Texas,” said Eric Bourquin, vice president of safety services at Texas Mutual. “Over the past two-plus decades, our commitment to these institutions and their communities has been fortified through grant funding. We take pride in sustaining our investment in the ongoing education of thousands of Texas employees.”

For more information about the Odessa College Safety Institute, please visit the College’s website. You can also contact the Continuing Education Department at 432-335-6580. Fore more information on Texas Mutual and its community efforts, please visit the Texas Mutual website here.