Gov. Greg Abbott announced $3.7 million in Perkins Leadership Grants awarded to 13 Texas public two-year postsecondary institutions for the development of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, according to an Oct. 13 news release from the governor’s office.
“Texas’ skilled workforce is critical to our state’s economic success,” Abbott said. “With these grants, community and technical colleges can develop or redesign programs for in-demand occupations and recruit and retain instructors to train the next generation of the workforce.”
Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser also commented in the release. “The Perkins Leadership Grants support our Texas colleges in creating innovative CTE programs that attract and motivate students,” Rosser said. “They also help colleges recruit the best CTE instructors, ensuring students get the quality training they need to secure high-skill, high-wage careers that fill critical needs in our economy. This is how we Build a Talent Strong Texas.”
The 2026-2027 awards fall into three categories, according to the release. Under Emerging and Current High-Demand Credentials, the recipients are Lamar Institute of Technology, $254,600; Southwest Texas College, $293,892; Tarrant County College District, $299,929; Texas Southmost College, $298,305; and Texas State Technical College, $278,739.
Under Recruitment and Retention of CTE Educators in Postsecondary Education, the recipients are Del Mar College, $206,000; El Paso Community College District, $299,638; Lamar State College-Orange, $297,250; San Jacinto College District, $299,991; Tyler Junior College, $300,000; and Western Texas College, $300,000.
Under Prison Education – Preparing for Reentry, the recipients are Central Texas College, $300,000, and Lee College, $297,144, the release said.
The release said the Perkins Leadership Grants are replacing the Perkins Field Based Innovation Program and the Perkins Excellence in Access and Opportunity Program, which were phased out on Aug. 31, 2026. The governor’s office said the update refocuses grants based on the latest labor market needs.