Governor Greg Abbott has announced that seven schools in Northeast Texas will receive career training grants totaling more than $1.9 million. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), are intended to help these schools purchase and install equipment for career and technical education programs. The funding aims to prepare over 520 students for high-demand jobs such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.
“Our greatest resource is our children,” said Governor Abbott. “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 also commented on the initiative: “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.”
The awards were presented at a ceremony at North Central Texas College’s Gainesville Campus, attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
The grant recipients include Cumby Independent School District, Forestburg ISD, Grayson College, North Central Texas College, Paris ISD, Paris Junior College, and Queen City ISD. The funding will be used for programs ranging from nurse training to welding and semiconductor processing technician courses.
Last month, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law to broaden career and technical education opportunities statewide. He identified expanding career training as an emergency item during his 2025 State of the State Address.
The JET program is funded through appropriations from the Texas Legislature every two years. It helps cover start-up costs for new or expanded technical education programs in public community colleges, state colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment purchased with JET funds must be used specifically for training students in occupations that are in high demand.
