Abbott Announces $20 Million in Workforce Training Grants

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that 84 Jobs and Education for Texans grants totaling more than $20 million have been awarded to public colleges, school districts and charter schools across Texas, including several institutions in West Texas.

The grants, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, will help schools purchase equipment to establish or expand career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand occupations.

According to the governor's office, the equipment purchased through the grants is expected to help train more than 7,400 students during the first year.

“Students deserve a clear and affordable path to high-paying careers,” Abbott said. “Through more than $20 million in career training grants, Texas students will have the opportunity to earn licenses, certificates, or college degrees that lead to high-wage jobs. By investing in our students today, we are building a stronger Texas for generations to come.”

Several West Texas colleges and school districts were among the recipients.

Midland College received a $319,043 grant to purchase equipment to train 420 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics.

Western Texas College in Snyder was awarded $192,500 to train 30 students as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.

Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District received $200,545 to train 170 students as heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanics and installers in partnership with South Plains College.

Paducah ISD was awarded $320,234 to train 35 students as first-line supervisors of production and operating workers, also in partnership with South Plains College.

Roby Consolidated ISD received $355,583 to train 52 students as welders in partnership with Cisco College.

Other regional recipients included Early ISD, which received $145,870 to train 176 students as medical assistants in partnership with Ranger College.

Woodson ISD was awarded $80,496 to train 15 students as software developers in partnership with Cisco College.

Vernon College received $295,447 to train 94 students as registered nurses, while Archer City ISD was awarded $76,617 to train five students as medical assistants in partnership with Vernon College.

Booker ISD received $356,112 to train 42 students as registered nurses in partnership with Frank Phillips College.

“A skilled workforce is essential to the success of Texas businesses and the strength of our economy,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said. “With more than $20 million in funding for career and technical education programs, TWC is investing the skills young Texans need to build their careers and ensure employers have the talent pipeline they need to thrive.”

The statewide grants support training in several industries, including health care, welding, automotive technology, engineering, aviation maintenance, information technology and skilled trades.

Among other awards, Texas State Technical College received $339,480 to train 254 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics.

The Jobs and Education for Texans program is funded by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The program helps eligible educational institutions cover startup costs associated with developing career and technical education programs. Equipment purchased with grant funding must be used to train students for occupations identified as being in high demand.

The Texas Workforce Commission plans to release its request for applications for the 2027 JET grant cycle later this fall.

Eligible applicants include public junior, state and technical colleges, school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and probation departments.

Additional information about the program and future grant opportunities is available through the Texas Workforce Commission.