FORT WORTH, Texas (April 27, 2026) – Texas Christian University has partnered with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) to launch the Texas Advanced Certificate in Textiles for Innovation and Composites (TACTIC), a new workforce development initiative designed to prepare students and workers for careers in advanced textiles, soft-goods engineering and next-generation manufacturing.

“Workforce development is such an important initiative in our country right now, and AFFOA is a leader in this work,” said Reuben F. Burch, TCU’s vice provost for research. “TCU is excited to partner with them and bring this research and training to Fort Worth.”

Positioning TCU at the Center of Advanced Textiles Innovation
The TACTIC workforce initiative reflects TCU’s growing leadership at the intersection of textiles, engineering and human performance. Through its partnership with AFFOA, TCU joins a national network operating to advance functional fabrics and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Recent student achievements, including a second-place finish in NASA’s Seam Innovation Challenge, highlight the university’s early momentum in this space. 

“Over the past year, our work with AFFOA, the development of the TACTIC initiative, and our internal investments in textile testing and soft-goods engineering have put TCU on the national radar,” said Charles Freeman, professor, department chair, and associate dean of research in TCU’s College of Fine Arts. “TACTIC and our work with AFFOA help position TCU as a leader in training the next generation of soft-good engineers and scientists for the industry.”

Senior AFFOA leadership, including CEO Sasha Stolyarov and Workforce Development Director Robert Finnegan, were on TCU’s campus in March to finalize the partnership, tour research labs and engage with regional industry partners. 

"Texas is a critical region for U.S. manufacturing, especially in textiles and advanced materials. The TACTIC program at TCU will significantly impact the area by equipping the next generation of workers with the skills and education needed to build successful careers in manufacturing," said Stolyarov. "We look forward to ongoing collaboration with TCU and to addressing the industry's pressing gaps to strengthen American manufacturing resiliency."

A Workforce Model Built for the Nation’s Needs
In a nationwide manufacturing needs assessment conducted by AFFOA with U.S. manufacturers, a common challenge emerged: an aging workforce and a widening gap in the skilled talent pipeline, with particular urgency in key regions such as Texas. This positions TCU and Fort Worth as an emerging hub for advanced materials innovation and workforce development aligned with national defense and aerospace priorities.

TACTIC introduces a scalable, industry-aligned credentialing framework that creates accessible entry points into high-demand fields, including:

The program is designed with stackable pathways that connect non-degree learners, undergraduate students and researchers to careers supporting aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing industries.

To learn more about the partnership, click here.

About AFFOA
As a non-profit, public-private partnership and a Manufacturing USA Institute headquartered in Bedford, MA, we accelerate breakthroughs in textile technology and manufacturing that protect our nation, empower industry, and improve everyday life. We do this by (1) advancing transformative technologies, (2) connecting a dynamic domestic advanced Fabric Innovation Network and membership consortium, and (3) inspiring and educating America’s next-generation workforce. Discover more at affoa.org.

About Texas Christian University
Founded in 1873, TCU is a world-class, values-centered private university based in Fort Worth, Texas. The university comprises nine schools and colleges offering 117 areas of undergraduate study, 62 master’s level programs and 37 areas of doctoral study. Total enrollment stands at 12,980, including 11,152 undergraduates and 1,828 graduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13.2:1, and 88% of TCU’s 776 full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their discipline. TCU consistently ranks among the top universities and colleges in the nation, and the Horned Frog family consists of more than 100,000 living alumni. For more information, please visit TCU’s website.

TCU Media Contact:
Holly Ellman
Associate Director of Communication
817-257-NEWS (6397)
h.ellman@tcu.edu

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