Laredo schools awarded grants to train students in high-demand careers

LAREDO, TX – Six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totalling more than US$2.4 million for four Laredo area schools were announced by Governor Greg Abbott to support career and technical education (CTE) programmes.

Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to train more than 800 students in high-demand careers.

“The State of Texas continues to invest in career training opportunities, ensuring that Texans across the state are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in well-paying careers and support our thriving and diverse workforce,” said Governor Abbott.

The governor noted that Texas students will receive comprehensive training and professional development thanks to support provided by TWC through funds provided by the Texas Legislature.

“These JET Scholarships illustrate how employers and educational institutions can work together to train the next generation of Texans for critical demand jobs,” said TWC President Bryan Daniel.

TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson presented the awards at a ceremony attended by state and local officials, school personnel and CTE students at Laredo College.

The six JET grants include Laredo College, with support of US$336,300 to purchase and install equipment to train 200 students as heavy truck and tractor trailer drivers.

Zapata County Independent School District (ISD) will receive a grant of U$492,165 to train 126 students as registered nurses in collaboration with Laredo College.

United ISD will receive a grant of US$90,789 to train 90 students in HVAC installation, also in collaboration with Laredo College.

Laredo ISD will receive three grants, the first for US$712,500 for equipment to train 130 students in automotive services; another for US$497,610 for equipment to train 130 students as dental assistants; and another for US$294,941 for equipment to train 130 students in heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation, in partnership with Laredo College.

Through funds provided by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs to develop career and technical education programmes for public community, state and technical colleges, school districts and charter schools.