Seven schools in Northeast Texas will receive more than $1.9 million in career training grants, Governor Greg Abbott announced on October 3, 2025. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), aim to help over 520 students prepare for high-demand jobs after graduation. The funds will be used to purchase and install equipment for career and technical education programs in fields such as nursing, mechanics, welding, and truck driving.
Governor Abbott stated: “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 added: “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.”
Chairman Esparza presented the awards at a ceremony held at North Central Texas College’s Gainesville Campus, attended by state and local officials along with school staff.
The recipients of this round of JET grants are:
– Cumby Independent School District (ISD): $181,574 to train 31 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Paris Junior College.
– Forestburg ISD: $131,838 for training 33 students as welders with North Central Texas College – Gainesville.
– Grayson College: $350,000 for training 24 semiconductor processing technicians.
– North Central Texas College: $331,656 for training 130 registered nurses.
– Paris ISD: $328,894 for training 175 licensed practical and vocational nurses with Paris Junior College.
– Paris Junior College: $332,450 for training 60 industrial machinery mechanics.
– Queen City ISD: $277,590 for training 70 welders with Texarkana College.
Last month, Governor Abbott ceremonially signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law to expand career and technical education across Texas. In his State of the State Address earlier this year, he designated expanding career training as an emergency legislative priority.
JET grants are funded by the Texas Legislature every two years to help public colleges and school districts cover start-up costs related to new or expanded career education programs. The equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically to train students in high-demand occupations.
