Governor Greg Abbott has announced that five schools in the Rio Grande Valley region will receive more than $1.1 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The funding, totaling over $1,174,500, aims to support career and technical education training programs by helping schools purchase and install equipment. This initiative is expected to initially train 2,140 students for high-demand occupations such as nursing and mechanics.
“Texas’ booming economy is built by our hardworking and highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III highlighted collaboration among organizations involved. “The success of the JET grant program is a testament to the strong partnerships between TWC, our schools, and our community colleges,” he said. “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 at a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville.
The five awarded grants include:
– Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District: $350,000 to train 505 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Texas Southmost College.
– Roma ISD: $216,226 to train 100 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with South Texas College.
– South Texas ISD: $215,184 to train 50 students as medical assistants with Texas State Technical College – Harlingen.
– Texas Southmost College: $84,614 to train 30 students as welders.
– Weslaco ISD: $308,490 to train 1,455 students as nursing assistants with South Texas College.
JET grants are funded through allocations made by the Texas Legislature every two years. The program helps cover start-up costs for developing or expanding career and technical education programs at public community colleges, state colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools across Texas. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically for training students for positions identified as high demand.
