Six schools in North Central Texas have been awarded more than $1.6 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to enhance career training programs. The announcement was made by Governor Greg Abbott, who said the funds will help train over 540 students for jobs in fields such as nursing, mechanics, and truck driving.
“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,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
The grants are distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which supports career and technical education (CTE) by providing equipment needed for hands-on training.
“The JET grants awarded today will help North Central Texas schools prepare more than 500 students for successful careers in high-demand occupations,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “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 at Temple College’s Workforce and Virtual Arts Building during a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
The six JET grants were allocated as follows: Academy Independent School District received $330,535 to train 218 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses with Temple College; Blooming Grove ISD was granted $314,047 to train 16 students as nurses with Navarro College; Hill College obtained $260,870 to prepare 96 truck drivers; Navarro College received $349,009 to train 100 mechanics; Rice ISD got $134,671 to train 90 registered nurses with Navarro College; and Temple College was given $224,136 to support mechanic training for 20 students.
JET grants are funded through appropriations from the Texas Legislature every two years. The program helps public community colleges, state colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools cover start-up costs when developing or expanding CTE programs. Equipment purchased must be used specifically for training students in occupations where demand is high across the state.
