Governor Greg Abbott has announced that seven schools in Northeast Texas will receive more than $1.9 million in career training grants. The funding, provided through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), aims to support career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs.
The grants will help these schools purchase and install equipment to train over 520 students for occupations such as nursing, mechanics, welding, and truck driving. Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in students’ futures, stating: “Our greatest resource is our children. These grants ensure students will gain the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their continued efforts to support and train our future workforce so the Texas economy—and Texas students—can reach even greater heights.”
TWC Chairman Joe Esparza highlighted how these funds benefit both students and businesses: “By providing JET grants to Texas schools, we are able to train our future workforce with the latest technology and give them the best education possible to succeed in their careers. These grants keep our Texas businesses competitive and our economy growing.”
A ceremony marking the awards was held at North Central Texas College’s Gainesville Campus.
The specific grant recipients include:
– Cumby Independent School District (ISD): $181,574 for training 31 licensed practical/vocational nurses with Paris Junior College.
– Forestburg ISD: $131,838 for training 33 welders with North Central Texas College – Gainesville.
– Grayson College: $350,000 for training 24 semiconductor processing technicians.
– North Central Texas College: $331,656 for training 130 registered nurses.
– Paris ISD: $328,894 for training 175 licensed practical/vocational nurses with Paris Junior College.
– Paris Junior College: $332,450 for training 60 industrial machinery mechanics.
– Queen City ISD: $277,590 for training 70 welders with Texarkana College.
Last month, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law to broaden access to career and technical education across Texas. He also identified expanding career training as an emergency priority during his State of the State Address earlier this year.
JET grants are funded biennially by the state legislature. The program helps cover start-up costs or expand existing technical education offerings at public colleges or school districts. Equipment purchased must be used specifically to prepare students for roles in fields where demand is high.
