Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,819,053 have been awarded to six schools in the Coastal Bend region by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The funding will support career and technical education programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand occupations.
The grants will help schools purchase and install equipment to train approximately 585 students in fields such as dental hygiene, registered nursing, and electrical and electronic engineering technology.
Abbott said the investment will strengthen opportunities for Texas students and help build a skilled workforce for the future. He emphasized that the funding will provide career and technical training that allows students to establish a strong foundation for their professional paths.
Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza said the JET program will allow schools to deliver hands-on training using industry-standard equipment that reflects real workplace environments. He noted that more than 580 students will gain technical skills needed for high-demand careers in healthcare and engineering-related fields.
The awards were presented earlier today during a ceremony at Del Mar College’s Oso Creek campus in Corpus Christi. The event was attended by state and local officials along with school representatives.
The six grants include $306,834 to Del Mar College to train 43 dental hygienist students, $226,518 to Freer Independent School District to train 162 licensed practical and vocational nurses in partnership with Del Mar College, and $331,792 to Pettus ISD to train 20 registered nurses in partnership with Coastal Bend College.
Additional funding includes $345,268 to Skidmore-Tynan ISD to train 65 licensed practical and vocational nurses in partnership with Del Mar College, $328,296 to Sinton ISD to train 12 electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians, and $280,345 to Victoria College to train 283 registered nurses.
The Texas Workforce Commission uses JET grants, funded by the Texas Legislature each biennium, to offset startup costs for career and technical education programs at public community, state, and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment purchased through the grants must be used to prepare students for jobs in high-demand occupations.
Officials said additional JET grant awards for the current fiscal year will be announced and published in the coming months.
