Governor Greg Abbott has announced that two schools in the Austin area will receive a combined total of $405,954 through Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants. The funding, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is intended to support career and technical education programs at these institutions. The grants will help purchase and install equipment to train 195 students for jobs as welders and HVAC mechanics.
“In our state’s booming economy, Texas is providing students important resources and opportunities to succeed in our growing workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “These JET grants will provide students with the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities. By investing in the success of our students, we are building a more skilled workforce to keep Texas strong.”
“The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said. “Today’s grants will help these two schools address current and future demand by training hundreds of students for good-paying jobs as HVAC mechanics and welders.”
The announcement was made during an award ceremony at Austin Community College Riverside Campus, attended by state officials, local leaders, and school staff.
Austin Community College District received a $64,774 grant aimed at training 120 students as HVAC mechanics. Granger Independent School District was awarded $341,180 to train 75 welding students in partnership with Texas State Technical College – East Williamson County.
JET grants are funded every two years by the Texas Legislature to help cover initial costs for starting or expanding career-focused education programs across public community colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools. The equipment purchased with JET funds must be used specifically for preparing students for high-demand careers. Additional JET grant awards for this fiscal year have not yet been announced but are expected in the coming months.
More information about TWC’s JET grant program can be found on their website.
