HARLINGEN — Several students around the state who are interested in technical careers will have more access to the tools they need to further their learning.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded 41 grants totaling $8,261,090 to colleges, technical institutes and school districts throughout the state on Thursday.
The grants are for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program.
“This significant investment by TWC in our future workforce will help provide economic opportunities for Texans,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel stated in a press release. “Providing training opportunities in high demand jobs will continue the development of new industries in our state.”
Lower Valley grant recipients include San Benito CISD, Rio Hondo ISD, La Feria ISD, Raymondville ISD, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and Point Isabel ISD.
Upper Valley grant recipients include Mercedes ISD, Weslaco ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, La Joya ISD and Rio Grande City CISD.
“Congratulations to all of the JET Grant recipients,” Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson stated in the press release. “Employers and educators, working together, will positively impact the Texas workforce, by giving Texas students the tools they need to advance their skills and meet the high demands of the 21st century.”
The JET program provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions to develop career and technical education programs or courses that lead to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree.
The equipment must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations.
San Benito CISD, Mercedes ISD, La Joya ISD and Rio Grande City CISD will be able to purchase and install equipment to provide students with training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
With the help of the grant, TSTC will be able to purchase and install equipment to provide 140 students with training in the occupation of electrical and electronical engineering technician.
The grant will help La Feria ISD and Rio Hondo ISD purchase and install equipment to students with training in the occupation of health technologist and technician.
The grant will help Point Isabel ISD purchase and install equipment to provide 126 students with training in the occupation of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
Raymondville ISD will be able to buy and install equipment to provide 140 students with training in the occupation of registered nurse.
Weslaco ISD and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD will be able to purchase and install equipment to provide students with training in the occupation of automotive service technician and mechanic.
“By giving students the opportunity to train and learn on the same equipment they will use in the field, JET grants ensure that the future workforce of Texas is equipped with the skills necessary to be competitive,” Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez stated in the press release.
For more information about the TWC and its services, visit www.texasworkforce.org or call (512) 463-8942.
