AUSTIN – Texas students in nursing and workforce training programs could see more free course materials and lower textbook costs after Gov. Greg Abbott announced more than $2 million in new grants to Texas higher education institutions.
Abbott said the funding will support free, open educational resources, including openly licensed textbooks and other course materials that students can access through the OERTX digital library. The grants are awarded through the Open Educational Resource (OER) Grant Program.
“Texas schools offer a competitive education for a variety of high-demand careers,” Abbott said. “As we strengthen our workforce in nursing, cybersecurity, electrical technology, and business, it is critical that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their chosen field. These grants will expand access to free learning materials to make education more affordable for Texans.”
Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the program helps reduce costs for students. “As every college student knows, the cost of textbooks and supplies can put a dent in their bank account,” Rosser said. “The OER grant program has reduced those costs for thousands of Texas students through the continual expansion of the OERTX online library of free textbooks and course materials.”
The governor’s office said the OER grant program was established in 2018 by Abbott and the 85th Texas Legislature. Since then, it has assisted more than 33,000 Texas students and saved an estimated $3.5 million in textbook costs.
The following institutions are receiving the 2026-28 awards:
Alamo Community College District: $285,000Collin County Community College District: $285,000El Paso County Community College District: $285,000Lamar Institute of Technology: $285,000Lee College: $285,000North Central Texas College: $285,000Texas A&M University – Kingsville: $15,000Texas State University: $285,000West Texas A&M University: $15,000