Five schools in the Rio Grande Valley region have received over $1.1 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, according to an announcement by Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded a total of more than $1,174,500 to support career and technical education training programs. These funds will help purchase and install equipment needed to train 2,140 students for roles such as nurses and mechanics.
Governor Abbott said, “Texas’ booming economy is built by our hardworking and highly skilled workforce. These career training grants will help students in the Rio Grande Valley gain the skills they need to compete in high-demand industries and drive our state’s continued growth. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for investing in the next generation of Texas workers – helping more Texans build a better future for themselves, their families, and our great state.”
Alberto Treviño III, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, added: “The success of the JET grant program is a testament to the strong partnerships between TWC, our schools, and our community colleges. By working together, we are creating pathways to success for students and strengthening the Texas economy. These JET grants demonstrate Texas’ commitment to workforce development, ensuring our students have the skills they need to succeed in high-demand jobs.”
Commissioner Treviño presented the awards at a ceremony held at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville with state and local officials as well as school staff present.
The breakdown of JET grant recipients includes:
– Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District received $350,000 to train 505 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Texas Southmost College.
– Roma ISD was awarded $216,226 for training 100 nursing students with South Texas College.
– South Texas ISD secured $215,184 for medical assistant training of 50 students with Texas State Technical College – Harlingen.
– Texas Southmost College itself obtained $84,614 to train 30 welding students.
– Weslaco ISD got $308,490 for nursing assistant training of 1,455 students with South Texas College.
The JET grant program uses legislative funding every two years so that TWC can offset start-up costs when developing or expanding career education programs across public community colleges as well as school districts throughout Texas. All equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically for preparing students for jobs considered high demand.
