EAST TEXAS (KETK) — Gov. Greg Abbott has announced 52 Job and Education Grants for Texas (JET) totaling more than $14 million for higher education institutions and independent school districts.

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The initiative aims to prepare students for high-demand, high-paying careers after graduation. Awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), these grants will enable public junior, state and technical colleges, as well as school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to purchase equipment for career and technical education programs that train students for growing industries across the state.

“As our economy grows, Texas will continue to invest in the future of our workforce,” Abbott said. “This more than $14 million investment in career training grants will help over 6,500 Texas students gain the tools and skills needed to move directly from graduation into good-paying jobs.”

The TWC is currently accepting applications for the 2026 JET grant program.

List of East Texas schools receiving grants:

Central Heights ISD: a $219,849 grant to train 50 students as phlebotomists

Frankston ISD: a $321,458 grant to train 147 students as welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.

Hawkins ISD: a $334,330 grant to train 20 students as emergency medical technicians.

Kilgore College: a $354,491 grant to train 60 students as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.

Mineola ISD: a $274,989 grant to train 165 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics.

Northeast Texas Community College: a $275,416 grant to train 96 students as registered nurses.

Tyler Junior College: a $325,293 grant to train 27 students as veterinary technologists and technicians.

West Sabine ISD: a $332,500 grant to train 20 students as registered nurses.

Every two years, the Texas Legislature provides funding that the Texas Workforce Commission uses for JET grants.

These grants help cover the start-up costs of creating career and technical education programs at public colleges, school districts and charter schools. The equipment purchased with JET grant funds must be used to train students for good jobs that are in high demand across Texas.

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