Texas awards millions in career education funding to train hundreds of students for high demand careers
Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than $2.5 million in state funding is being distributed to schools across East Texas to help students train for high-demand careers in healthcare, automotive repair, welding, emergency medical services, and other technical fields.
According to state officials, nine Jobs and Education for Texans grants totaling $2,524,300 were awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission to support career and technical education programs throughout the region.
The funding is expected to help schools purchase and install equipment needed to train approximately 700 students for careers that remain in high demand across Texas.
“Texas is strengthening our state by investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” Governor Abbott said. “These grants will provide students in East Texas the real-world training and technical education they need to have a successful career. The future of our state is in good hands because of the education we are providing to young Texans today.”
State officials said the grants are designed to help schools expand or develop career training programs that prepare students for jobs currently facing workforce shortages.
Funding Supports Healthcare Technical And Skilled Trade Careers
Joe Esparza said the grants will directly support industries that urgently need trained workers.
“The JET grants awarded today will support East Texas schools in training 700 students for vital careers such as healthcare professionals, EMTs, and HVAC technicians,” Esparza said. “The Texas Workforce Commission is proud to support employers in meeting current and future workforce needs.”
Earlier in the day, Brent Connett presented the awards during a ceremony held at Tyler Junior College. The event included state officials, local leaders, and school representatives.
The grants were awarded to multiple schools and colleges throughout East Texas.
Central Heights Independent School District received $219,849 to help train 50 phlebotomy students through a partnership with Angelina College.
Frankston Independent School District was awarded $321,458 to train 147 welding students alongside Trinity Valley Community College.
Hawkins Independent School District received $334,330 to prepare 20 students for careers as emergency medical technicians in partnership with Tyler Junior College.
Kemp Independent School District obtained $226,442 to train 130 nursing assistants with support from Trinity Valley Community College.
Kilgore College received $354,491 to train 60 HVAC mechanics and installers.
Martinsville Independent School District was awarded $192,032 to train five nursing assistants through a partnership with Panola College.
Mineola Independent School District received $274,989 to train 165 automotive service technicians and mechanics in collaboration with Tyler Junior College.
Northeast Texas Community College secured $275,416 to prepare 96 registered nurses.
Tyler Junior College itself also received a $325,293 grant to train 27 veterinary technologists and technicians.
State Continues Expanding Workforce Training Efforts
The Jobs and Education for Texans program is funded through appropriations provided by the Texas Legislature every two years.
State officials said the program helps cover startup costs for career and technical education programs at community colleges, technical schools, school districts, and charter schools.
The equipment purchased through the grants must specifically support training tied to high-demand occupations.
Officials added that additional JET grant awards for the current fiscal year are still expected to be announced in the coming months as Texas continues focusing on workforce development and technical education expansion statewide.
