Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of over $1.5 million in career training grants to five schools in the San Antonio area. The funds, amounting to $1,531,600, are part of the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program managed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These grants aim to enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs by equipping schools with necessary tools to train more than 650 students for high-demand careers such as software development, nursing, and welding.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in Texas’ future workforce. “As the Texas economy continues to reach greater heights, it is critical that we keep investing in our future workforce,” he stated. He noted that these grants would provide students with opportunities for better jobs and higher salaries after graduation. Abbott also acknowledged TWC’s efforts in supporting a skilled workforce and ensuring successful careers for Texas students.
Bryan Daniel, Chairman of TWC, highlighted the role of the JET program in providing advanced technology for student training in high-demand fields like software development and nursing. “TWC continues to support valuable CTE training across the state to develop the workforce needed to meet the demands of Texas’ diverse industries,” Daniel said.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at San Antonio College’s Nursing & Allied Health Complex, attended by state and local officials along with school staff. TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented the awards.
The specific grants awarded include:
– Alamo Colleges District-San Antonio College received $332,507 to train 250 students as software developers.
– Boerne Independent School District (ISD) was granted $319,709 to prepare 200 students as registered nurses in collaboration with Alamo Colleges District-San Antonio College.
– Cotulla ISD secured $350,000 for training 25 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Southwest Texas Junior College.
– Dilley ISD obtained $179,403 for welding training for 76 students in partnership with Southwest Texas Junior College.
– Harmony Schools South Texas received $350,000 to train 100 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses alongside Texas Southmost College.
These JET grants are funded biennially by the Texas Legislature and help cover start-up costs for developing or expanding CTE programs across public community colleges, state colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically for training students in high-demand occupations. Future JET grant awards will be announced later this fiscal year.
