Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that 52 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants, totaling over $14 million, have been awarded to higher education institutions and independent school districts across Texas. The funding is intended to support the purchase of equipment for career and technical education programs that prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields.

"As our economy grows, Texas will continue to invest in the future of our workforce," said Governor Abbott. "This over $14 million in career training grants will help more than 6,500 Texas students gain the tools and skills they need to go from graduation directly into good-paying jobs. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission and our education partners for training the next generation of hardworking Texans to be part of the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in our great state."

The JET grants are administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The new funding will allow public junior, state, and technical colleges; school districts; and open-enrollment charter schools to buy equipment needed for their career-focused programs. More than 6,500 students are expected to benefit initially from this investment.

“Through initiatives like the JET grant program, we are preparing our workforce to pioneer innovations and thrive on the cutting edge of industry,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “These grants strategically target high-growth industries, ensuring workers can find meaningful career opportunities while strengthening Texas’ reputation as the best state for doing business.”

Applications for the 2026 JET grant program are now being accepted by TWC. Eligible applicants include public junior, state, and technical colleges; school districts; and open-enrollment charter schools.

The latest round of grants covers a wide range of programs at both college and ISD levels. For example:

- Austin Community College received $331,387 to train automotive service technicians.

- Grayson College was awarded $362,896 to train registered nurses.

- Paris Junior College received $366,917 for aircraft mechanics training.

- Duncanville ISD was granted $354,915 to train nursing assistants.

- Mineola ISD got $274,989 for automotive service technician training.

Each biennium, funding from the Texas Legislature allows TWC to use JET grants to help start or expand career-focused education programs throughout public educational institutions in Texas. Equipment purchased through these funds must be used specifically for student training in occupations where demand is high.

More information about TWC’s JET grant program can be found on their official website.