Gov. Greg Abbott announced that 84 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $20 million have been awarded to Texas public junior, state, and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools, according to an Oct. 12 news release from the governor’s office.
The grants, awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will help schools buy equipment to start or improve career and technical education programs that lead to high-demand careers, the governor’s office said. In the first year alone, the new equipment will help train more than 7,400 students, according to the release.
“Students deserve a clear and affordable path to high-paying careers,” Abbott said. “Through more than $20 million in career training grants, Texas students will have the opportunity to earn licenses, certificates, or college degrees that lead to high-wage jobs. By investing in our students today, we are building a stronger Texas for generations to come.”
“A skilled workforce is essential to the success of Texas businesses and the strength of our economy,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said. “With more than $20 million in funding for career and technical education programs, TWC is investing the skills young Texans need to build their careers and ensure employers have the talent pipeline they need to thrive.”
The release listed 27 public junior, technical, and state colleges among the recipients. Examples include a $375,000 grant to Alamo College’s Northwest Vista College to train 300 students as data scientists, a $346,697 grant to Collin College to train 120 students as welders, and a $319,043 grant to Midland College to train 420 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics, according to the governor’s office.
School districts and charter schools also received awards, many in partnership with community colleges. The release cited grants such as $356,250 to Anahuac ISD to train 100 students as health technologists and technicians in partnership with Lee College, and $229,240 to Lindale ISD to train 301 students as registered nurses in partnership with Tyler Junior College.
Through funding provided by the Texas Legislature, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs for career and technical education programs, and equipment funded through the grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations, according to the release.
TWC will release the 2027 JET grant Request for Applications later this fall, the governor’s office said. Public junior, state, and technical colleges, school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and probation departments may apply.