Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 17 that six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,777,641 have been awarded to six schools in Southeast Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission. The funding will help purchase and install equipment to train 410 students for high-demand careers such as information security analysts, nurses, welders, and other technical fields.
The announcement highlights efforts to provide students with practical skills needed in the workforce. These grants aim to address local employment needs while giving students opportunities for economic advancement.
“Our greatest resource is our young and skilled workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “This 1.7 million in grant funding to schools throughout Southeast Texas will provide students with the opportunity to gain real hands-on career and technical training to provide a solid foundation for future career aspirations. Together, we are strengthening our state by investing in our workforce of tomorrow.” Joe Esparza, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, said: “With these funds, six schools in Southeast Texas will train more than 400 students for in-demand occupations, creating pathways to economic prosperity. JET grants are a great example of aligning industry demand with curriculum, which ensures Texas employers have access to skilled talent to meet their business needs.”
The awards were presented at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont during a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
The six recipients include Brazosport College ($356,250), Hitchcock Independent School District ($190,769), Kountze ISD ($353,282), Lamar Institute of Technology ($354,853), San Jacinto Community College ($189,987), and West Sabine ISD ($332,500). Each grant supports specific job training programs such as nursing or welding through partnerships between colleges and school districts.
JET grants are funded biennially by the Texas Legislature and help defray start-up costs for new or expanded career education programs at public community colleges or school districts. Equipment purchased must be used specifically for training students into high-demand jobs; this year’s remaining awards will be announced later.
Greg Abbott serves as the 48th governor leading the executive branch of state government according to the official website. The office promotes economic opportunity and education across Texas while supporting cultural understanding through commissions focused on women’s issues and people with disabilities according to its official website. The Governor’s Mansion has served since 1856 as both residence and historic landmark according to the official website.
