Houston Daily

Seven schools in Northeast Texas have received career training grants totaling more than $1.9 million to help prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will support the purchase and installation of equipment for career and technical education programs. Over 520 students are expected to benefit from these programs, which focus on occupations such as nursing, mechanics, welding, and truck driving.

Governor Greg Abbott commented on the initiative: "Our greatest resource is our children. These grants ensure students will gain the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for their continued efforts to support and train our future workforce so the Texas economy—and Texas students—can reach even greater heights."

TWC Chairman Joe Esparza also spoke about the impact of these grants: “By providing JET grants to Texas schools, we are able to train our future workforce with the latest technology and give them the best education possible to succeed in their careers. These grants keep our Texas businesses competitive and our economy growing.”

The grant awards were presented at a ceremony held at North Central Texas College’s Gainesville Campus, attended by state officials, local leaders, and school staff.

The seven grant recipients are:

- Cumby Independent School District (ISD): $181,574 to train 31 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses in partnership with Paris Junior College.

- Forestburg ISD: $131,838 to train 33 students as welders with North Central Texas College – Gainesville.

- Grayson College: $350,000 to train 24 students as semiconductor processing technicians.

- North Central Texas College: $331,656 to train 130 students as registered nurses.

- Paris ISD: $328,894 to train 175 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Paris Junior College.

- Paris Junior College: $332,450 to train 60 students as industrial machinery mechanics.

- Queen City ISD: $277,590 to train 70 students as welders in partnership with Texarkana College.

Last month Governor Abbott signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law. Both laws aim to expand career and technical education opportunities across Texas. In his most recent State of the State Address for 2025, Governor Abbott named expanding career training an emergency item for lawmakers during the current legislative session.

Funding for JET grants comes from allocations made by the Texas Legislature every two years. The TWC uses these funds primarily for start-up costs associated with developing or expanding educational programs at public community colleges, state colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools throughout Texas. All equipment purchased through JET must be used specifically for training students in high-demand occupations.