Governor Greg Abbott announces new funding to support workforce training in Southeast Texas schools
Austin, Texas – Texas is putting new focus on workforce development in Southeast communities, with state leaders directing funding toward programs that aim to prepare students for jobs that are in high demand and critical to the economy.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that six Jobs and Education for Texans grants, totaling $1,777,641, have been awarded to schools across Southeast Texas. The funding, distributed through the Texas Workforce Commission, is designed to support career and technical education programs by helping schools purchase and install equipment needed for hands-on training.
The investment is expected to benefit 410 students, giving them the chance to learn practical skills tied to careers such as information security, nursing, welding, and electrical technology.
Focus on hands-on training and future careers
State officials emphasized that these grants are meant to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world job skills. By providing schools with updated equipment, students can train in environments that reflect actual workplace conditions.
“Our greatest resource is our young and skilled workforce,” said Governor 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.”
Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza also highlighted the broader impact of the funding, pointing to the connection between education and economic growth. “With these funds, six schools in Southeast Texas will train more than 400 students for in-demand occupations, creating pathways to economic prosperity,” he said. “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.”
The awards were formally presented during a ceremony held at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont. The event brought together state and local officials, along with educators and school staff, to recognize the importance of workforce training programs.
Breakdown of grants across schools
Each of the six grants targets specific training areas. Brazosport College received $356,250 to train 75 students as information security analysts. Hitchcock Independent School District was awarded $190,769 to prepare 65 students for careers as licensed practical and vocational nurses, working in partnership with the College of the Mainland.
Kountze Independent School District secured $353,282 to train 90 students as welders in partnership with Lamar Institute of Technology. The Lamar Institute itself received $354,853 to train 50 students as electrical and electronics repairers for commercial and industrial equipment.
San Jacinto Community College was awarded $189,987 to train 110 students as electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians. Meanwhile, West Sabine Independent School District received $332,500 to train 20 students as registered nurses, also in partnership with Lamar Institute of Technology.
These grants are part of a broader program funded by the Texas Legislature, which supports the development and expansion of career and technical education programs across the state. The funding helps cover start-up costs, especially for equipment that directly supports training in high-demand fields.
Officials say the program continues to play a key role in preparing students for the workforce while also helping employers find skilled workers. Additional grant awards for the current fiscal year are expected to be announced in the coming months, continuing the state’s effort to invest in education and economic growth.
