Governor Greg Abbott announced that two Austin area schools have received grants totaling $405,954 through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program. The funds, distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), are intended to support career and technical education programs by helping schools purchase and install equipment needed to train students for high-demand jobs.
“In our state’s booming economy, Texas is providing students important resources and opportunities to succeed in our growing workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “These JET grants will provide students with the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities. By investing in the success of our students, we are building a more skilled workforce to keep Texas strong.”
“The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “Today’s grants will help these two schools address current and future demand by training hundreds of students for good-paying jobs as HVAC mechanics and welders.”
The awards were presented earlier today by Commissioner Esparza at a ceremony held at Austin Community College Riverside Campus, attended by state and local officials along with school staff.
Austin Community College District received $64,774 to train 120 students as HVAC mechanics. Granger Independent School District was awarded $341,180 to train 75 students as welders in partnership with Texas State Technical College – East Williamson County.
The JET grant program is funded biennially by the Texas Legislature. TWC uses these funds to help cover start-up costs for developing or expanding career-focused education programs at public community colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools across Texas. Equipment purchased through JET must be used specifically for training in high-demand fields. Awards for the current fiscal year have not yet been released but are expected to be published soon.
