Governor Greg Abbott has announced that four schools in East Texas will receive Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling over $911,500. The grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), are intended to support career and technical education training programs. This funding will help the schools purchase and install equipment to train more than 470 students for careers as welders, nurses, and mechanical engineers.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in workforce development, stating, “As the Texas economy continues to reach greater heights, it is critical that we keep investing in our future workforce.” He added that these grants enable young Texans to compete in high-demand industries while meeting the needs of a growing state.
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel highlighted the benefits of these grants: “Thanks to our East Texas education partners, hundreds of young Texans will gain experience in high-demand occupations such as registered nursing, mechanical engineering, and welding.” He noted that the grants would provide high-quality equipment necessary for student success.
The awards were presented earlier today by TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza at a ceremony held at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus. The event was attended by state and local officials along with school staff.
The specific JET grants include:
– Angelina College receiving $337,026 to train 90 students as welders.
– Bullard Independent School District being awarded $89,480 to train 266 students as registered nurses in collaboration with Tyler Junior College.
– Carthage ISD obtaining $135,027 to train 50 students as welders through a partnership with Panola College.
– Quitman ISD securing $350,000 to train 70 students as mechanical engineers alongside Texas State Technical College – Marshall.
Funded by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC’s JET grant program aims to defray start-up costs for developing or expanding career and technical education programs across public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used for training students in high-demand fields.
