Gov. Greg Abbott announced more than $1.7 million in grants Friday to boost career training at schools across Southeast Texas.
The Texas Workforce Commission awarded six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,777,641 to six schools, according to a news release. The funding will help the schools buy equipment for career and technical education programs to initially train 410 students for high-demand jobs, including information security analysts, nurses, and welders.
“Our greatest resource is our young and skilled workforce,” said Abbott. “This 1.7 million in grant funding to schools throughout Southeast Texas will provide students with the opportunity to gain real hands-on career and technical training to provide a solid foundation for future career aspirations. Together, we are strengthening our state by investing in our workforce of tomorrow.”
“With these funds, six schools in Southeast Texas will train more than 400 students for in-demand occupations, creating pathways to economic prosperity,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “JET grants are a great example of aligning industry demand with curriculum, which ensures Texas employers have access to skilled talent to meet their business needs.”
TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett presented the awards on Friday at a ceremony at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont. State and local officials and school staff attended.
The grants are:
- Brazosport College: $356,250 to train 75 students as information security analysts.
- Hitchcock Independent School District: $190,769 to train 65 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, in partnership with College of the Mainland.
- Kountze ISD: $353,282 to train 90 students as welders, in partnership with Lamar Institute of Technology.
- Lamar Institute of Technology: $354,853 to train 50 students as electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment.
- San Jacinto Community College: $189,987 to train 110 students as electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians.
- West Sabine ISD: $332,500 to train 20 students as registered nurses, in partnership with Lamar Institute of Technology.
The Texas Legislature provides funding every two years for the JET grants. The Texas Workforce Commission uses the money to cover startup costs for new or expanded career and technical education programs at public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment bought with JET grants must train students for high-demand occupations.
Awards for the current fiscal year remain pending.