Texas – Greg Abbott announced that nine schools across East Texas will receive more than $2.5 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants through the Texas Workforce Commission to expand career and technical education programs.
According to the governor’s office, the grants total $2,524,300 and will help schools purchase and install training equipment for programs preparing students for high-demand careers including nursing, HVAC, welding, emergency medical services, automotive repair, and veterinary technology.
State officials said the funding is expected to initially support the training of approximately 700 students.
Gov. Abbott said the investment is aimed at strengthening Texas’ future workforce by expanding technical education opportunities for students entering industries facing ongoing labor shortages.
The grants were presented during a ceremony at Tyler Junior College attended by state officials, educators, and local leaders.
Among the largest awards announced:
- Mineola Independent School District received nearly $275,000 to train automotive service technicians and mechanics.
- Northeast Texas Community College received more than $275,000 to support registered nurse training.
- Kilgore College received more than $354,000 for HVAC mechanic and installer training programs.
- Frankston Independent School District received more than $321,000 for welding instruction programs.
Additional grants supported EMT, phlebotomy, nursing assistant, and veterinary technician training programs through partnerships with community colleges across the region.
The Texas Workforce Commission said the JET program helps schools offset startup costs tied to career and technical education expansion, including specialized equipment needed for workforce training.
Officials said the equipment funded through the grants must be used specifically for occupations considered high demand in Texas.
The JET program is funded by the Texas Legislature and is designed to strengthen workforce development pipelines connecting students to technical careers across the state.
