Six schools in North Central Texas will receive more than $1.6 million in career training grants to help students prepare for jobs that are in high demand. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will be used to purchase and install equipment for career and technical education programs. These programs aim to train over 540 students for occupations such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.
Governor Greg Abbott said, “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. 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, added, “The JET grants awarded today will help North Central Texas schools prepare more than 500 students for successful careers in high-demand occupations. 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 officials, local leaders, and school staff.
The grant recipients are:
– Academy Independent School District: $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Temple College.
– Blooming Grove ISD: $314,047 to train 16 students as licensed practical and 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 every two years by the Texas Legislature. The program helps public community colleges, state technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools develop or expand technical education by covering some start-up costs. Equipment bought through these grants must be used specifically for student training in fields where workers are needed most.
