Six schools in North Central Texas will receive more than $1.6 million in grants to support career and technical education programs, Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), are intended to help these schools purchase equipment for training students in high-demand fields such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.
“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,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza highlighted the impact of these grants on workforce development: “The JET grants awarded today will help North Central Texas schools prepare more than 500 students for successful careers in high-demand occupations,” Esparza said. “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.”
Commissioner Esparza presented the awards at Temple College’s Workforce and Virtual Arts Building during a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
The six JET grant recipients are:
– Academy Independent School District (ISD): $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Temple College.
– Blooming Grove ISD: $314,047 to train 16 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Navarro College.
– Hill College: $260,870 to train 96 students as truck drivers.
– Navarro College: $349,009 to train 100 students as mechanics.
– Rice ISD: $134,671 to train 90 students as registered nurses with Navarro College.
– Temple College: $224,136 to train 20 students as mechanics.
The JET program is funded by the Texas Legislature every two years. TWC uses these funds to help public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools start or expand career education programs. Equipment purchased through JET grants must be used specifically for training students in jobs that are considered high demand.
