Governor Abbott Announces Over $872,000 In Career Training Grants For Central Texas Schools

September 3, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced three Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $872,543 have been awarded to three schools in Central Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 75 students for high-demand occupations such as automotive service technicians and nurses.

“Texas leads the nation in growth, and it is essential that students have the skills they need to secure high-paying jobs,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will provide students with valuable training and resources to launch successful careers.”

“The partnership between TWC and educational institutions creates a direct benefit for Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “When students learn on the modern equipment used in hospitals and service centers, they enter the workforce with confidence and transferable, marketable skills that employers value.”

Earlier today, Chairman Esparza presented the awards at a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff at Austin Community College’s Riverside Campus.

The three JET grants include:

• Austin Community College: a $331,387 grant to train 50 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics with an electronic vehicle specialization.
• Hearne Independent School District (ISD): a $344,985 grant to train five students as registered nurses in partnership with Blinn College.
• Lometa ISD: a $196,171 grant to train 20 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in partnership with Central Texas College.

Through funding provided by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs to develop or expand career and technical education programs for public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment funded through JET grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. JET grant awards for the current fiscal year have yet to be announced and will be published in the coming months.

Learn more about TWC’s JET grant program.