Six schools in North Central Texas have received more than $1.6 million in career training grants to help prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will be used to purchase and install equipment for career and technical education programs at these schools. Over 540 students are expected to benefit from the new training opportunities, which focus on occupations such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.
Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating: “The booming Texas economy is largely built on career and technical training programs that ensure young Texans have the tools to compete in high-demand industries. This job training grant invests in the education of students so they can have a better job and earn a bigger paycheck. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their efforts to train Texans to build a better future for themselves and for Texas.”
Joe Esparza, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, added: “The JET grants awarded today will help North Central Texas schools prepare more than 500 students for successful careers in high-demand occupations. Working alongside our local partners across the state, the Texas Workforce Commission is developing a skilled workforce to keep pace with the growth of Texas employers.”
The awards were presented earlier today by Commissioner Esparza at Temple College’s Workforce and Virtual Arts Building during a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
Grant recipients include Academy Independent School District (ISD), which received $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses in partnership with Temple College; Blooming Grove ISD, awarded $314,047 to train 16 nursing students with Navarro College; Hill College, receiving $260,870 for truck driver training for 96 students; Navarro College, granted $349,009 to train 100 mechanics; Rice ISD, receiving $134,671 to train 90 registered nurses with Navarro College; and Temple College itself, awarded $224,136 to train 20 mechanics.
Funding for these grants comes from allocations made by the Texas Legislature every two years. The JET program helps public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools cover start-up costs related to developing or expanding career-focused educational programs. Equipment purchased through JET grants must be used specifically for training students in jobs identified as high demand.
