Houston Daily

Six schools in North Central Texas will receive over $1.6 million in career training grants to support technical education programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand jobs. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), are intended to help these schools purchase and install equipment necessary for training more than 540 students in fields such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the role of career and technical education in supporting the state's workforce needs. "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."

Joe Esparza, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, highlighted the impact of these grants on student preparation for careers: “The JET grants awarded today will help North Central Texas schools prepare more than 500 students for successful careers in high-demand occupations,” he 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 during a ceremony at Temple College’s Workforce and Virtual Arts Building, attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.

The six grants are distributed as follows:

- Academy Independent School District (ISD): $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses with Temple College.

- Blooming Grove ISD: $314,047 to train 16 students as licensed practical and licensed 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.

JET grants are funded by appropriations from the Texas Legislature every two years. The program helps cover start-up costs associated with developing or expanding career and technical education programs at public colleges, school districts, and charter schools. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically for training students in jobs identified as high demand.