SHERMAN, Texas (KTEN) —The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub is creating a pipeline for high school students to have a chance to make $55,000 a year in the tech industry... right after graduation.

"These are great jobs for someone who's maybe not even 20 years old yet," said Kent Sharp, president of the Sherman Economic Development Corporation.

After receiving a base certification during high school, students can receive a second certification through one of the partnering universities.

"Developing a semiconductor workforce in the local region and providing job opportunities, well-paying job opportunities, for the local population," said Karen Campbell, Associate Dean of Academia and Workforce Instruction at Grayson College.

Texoma has the only designated Tech Hub in Texas.

The Tech Hubs program was started by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to strengthen the nation's economic and national security.

The goal is to invest in high potential regions for the United States to become globally competitive in the tech world.

"We really think that we're popping up as an emerging tech hub; North Texas and specifically Sherman is really coming along and saying, 'Hey, we're in the race, too,'" Sharp said.

Last October, President Biden's administration designated 31 Tech Hubs across the country designed to create technology-related jobs in America.

"We're going to see a workforce pipeline continue to be developed... not only for the semiconductor and high tech jobs, but for our advanced manufacturing,"  Sharp said.

Phase One was identifying the hubs; Phase Two involves securing a grant which could total up to $75 million to expand the program, and to offer more young people the opportunity to kick start their career.

Click here for a full list of participating organizations.