Houston Daily

Five schools in the Rio Grande Valley have been awarded more than $1.1 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to enhance career and technical education programs. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the awards, which will help the schools purchase equipment and provide training for 2,140 students in high-demand fields such as nursing and mechanics.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on the initiative: “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 during a ceremony at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville attended by state officials, local leaders, and school staff.

The five grants were distributed as follows: Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District received $350,000 to train 505 students as nurses with Texas Southmost College; Roma ISD was granted $216,226 for 100 nursing trainees with South Texas College; South Texas ISD obtained $215,184 to train 50 medical assistants with Texas State Technical College – Harlingen; Texas Southmost College itself received $84,614 for welder training; Weslaco ISD was awarded $308,490 to prepare 1,455 nursing assistants with South Texas College.

JET grants are funded biennially by the state legislature and administered by TWC to support public educational institutions across Texas. The funds are used specifically for equipment that supports training programs targeting jobs where demand is high.