TWC Awards $10.3 Million in Jobs and Education for Texans Grants to Support Career Training
Texas Workforce Commission • December 21, 2021
Kilgore College awarded $280K. Elkhart ISD awarded $325K.
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded 41 grants totaling $10,379,293 to multiple public community colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program.
“JET grants represent an important investment toward closing the middle skills gap in our state by creating opportunities for young Texans to pursue high-demand, well-paying jobs requiring only a short training period,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As students make the transition into the workforce, it is essential for our economy they have the education and skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”
Qualifying educational institutions were each awarded a grant for the development of programs or courses leading to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree. The JET grant program focuses on projects that develop training programs to prepare Texans for jobs in new, emerging industries and high-demand occupations.
“There is no substitute for hands-on training that mimics real-world scenarios to set students up for success in highly skilled, high-demand careers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “JET grants provide eager learners with access to new, cutting-edge equipment that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest growing industries in the state.”
The JET program provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions for the purpose of developing career and technical education courses and may include courses offering dual-credit and technical education programs. The equipment must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. The JET program also supports employers by preparing students for careers in occupations that are identified by local businesses as being in high-demand.
“Congratulations to all of the JET grant recipients for their commitment to providing targeted training for their respective communities that will lead to employment opportunities in high-demand industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “These grants are a key tool in meeting the immediate and long-term needs of our Texas employers, while also providing pathways to success for hardworking Texans.”
The JET Advisory Board was established to assist TWC in administering these grants. The six-member board meets to review applications and make recommendations on grant awards.
Eligible educational institutions can apply for the next phase of JET funding through a competitive grant process. TWC will issue a Request for Applications (RFA) solicitation to provide information and instruction on how to submit a proposal packet. A link will be provided on the JET Grant Program webpage, which can be used to access the RFA once it becomes available.
For more information on the JET Program, visit the JET homepage or email jetgrants@twc.texas.gov.
The 2021 Jobs and Education for Texans grant recipients are:
Community, Technical and State Colleges
- Alvin Community College - $324,139 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 225 students, providing training in the occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.
- Brazosport College - $220,985 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solderer, and brazer.
- College of the Mainland - $350,000 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 325 students, providing training in the occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.
- Frank Phillips College - $330,125 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of industrial machinery mechanics.
- Grayson College - $197,034 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 232 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
- Kilgore College - $279,296 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of firefighters.
- Lamar State College Orange - $208,741 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 250 students, providing training in the occupation of healthcare practitioners and technical occupations.
- Laredo College - $304,836 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 140 students, providing training in the occupation of industrial machinery mechanics.
- Ranger College - $324,658 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of automotive service technicians and mechanics.
- South Plains College - $247,549 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 70 students, providing training in the occupation of automotive service technicians and mechanics.
- South Texas College - $204,058 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of architectural and civil drafters.
- Southwest Texas Junior College - $296,553 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 40 students, providing training in the occupation of bus & truck mechanics & diesel engine specialists.
- Victoria College - $331,645 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 250 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
- Vernon College - $178,966 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 210 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
- Weatherford College - $296,263 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 144 students, providing training in the occupation of first-line supervisors of construction trades/extraction workers.
Independent School Districts
- Baird ISD - $221,226 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 100 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Bangs ISD - $43,605 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 50 students, providing training in the occupation of electro-mechanical technicians.
- Bells ISD - $64,291 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 61 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Brownsville ISD - $329,060 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 165 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Burkeville ISD - $262,182 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 30 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Center ISD - $328,571 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD - $189,316 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 79 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Connally ISD - $275,035 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 63 students, providing training in the occupation of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
- Elkhart ISD - $325,850 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 168 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Farmersville ISD - $332,236 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 150 students, providing training in the occupation of electronics engineers (except computer).
- Harlingen ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers.
- Hillsboro ISD - $89,703 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 75 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Hudson ISD - $102,361- The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 78 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Ingleside ISD - $225,531 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 103 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Ingram ISD - $188,147 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 80 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- La Joya ISD - $316,407 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Laredo ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 125 students, providing training in the occupation of nursing assistants.
- Point Isabel ISD - $278,287 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Rio Hondo ISD - $331,056 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 140 students, providing training in the occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers.
- Robstown ISD - $322,680 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 60 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Rosebud-Lott ISD - $114,513 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of computer numerically controlled tool operator.
- Santa Maria ISD - $291,915 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Santa Rosa ISD - $281,390 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- South Texas ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 24 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- West Sabine ISD - $140,429 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 150 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
- Ysleta ISD - $233,154 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 101 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has recognized Dr. Robert Haberle with the Regional Shining Star Award, a distinction reserved for individuals who go above and beyond in service to the region. Unlike traditional awards, the Regional Shining Star Award is not part of a public nomination process. It is presented only in rare cases when someone demonstrates exceptional, long-term commitment to ETCOG and its programs. Dr. Haberle’s 15 years of service make him a clear and deserving recipient. Dr. Haberle has served on the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board since 2011. During that time, he has played a key role in shaping workforce development efforts across the region. Workforce Solutions East Texas operates with an annual budget of more than $60 million, providing no-cost employment and recruitment services to businesses and job seekers. Over the past year alone, those efforts have supported more than 81,000 businesses and individuals. The program has awarded nearly $1 million in job training scholarships, helped thousands of unemployment claimants return to work, and provided child care assistance to more than 9,000 families. It has also invested millions into improving child care quality and supporting local providers. Dr. Haberle’s leadership has helped guide these efforts year after year, contributing to long-term impact across East Texas communities. Board members are appointed by local elected officials, and Dr. Haberle was appointed by Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. Throughout his tenure, he has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Workforce Centers Committee, Vice Chairman, and Board Chairman. From October 2016 through September 2022, he served six years as Chairman. During that time, he helped strengthen collaboration between the Workforce Board and the CEO Board, ensuring alignment and shared leadership across the region. Even after his time as Chairman, Dr. Haberle has remained actively involved. He continues to lead the Workforce Centers Committee and has played an important role in the development of new workforce centers in Longview and Tyler. His service extends beyond East Texas. Dr. Haberle currently serves as Vice Chair of the Texas Association of Workforce Boards and represents the region at the national level through the National Association of Workforce Boards. Prior to his work in workforce development, Dr. Haberle served as Mayor of Jacksonville from 2005 to 2011. During that time, he also represented the city on the ETCOG General Board and contributed to regional efforts through the Texas Municipal League. Dr. Haberle’s leadership, service, and dedication have left a lasting impact on workforce development and regional collaboration in East Texas. ETCOG proudly recognizes Dr. Robert Haberle as a Regional Shining Star Award recipient and thanks him for his continued commitment to the communities he serves.
Since 2023, Shanae East faced significant challenges securing stable employment due to a legal barrier, all while balancing part-time work and receiving disability support. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to build a better future for herself and her daughter. With support from Workforce Solutions East Texas, along with the WIOA and VRS programs, Shanae successfully completed her CCMA certification in 2024—gaining the skills needed to pursue a career in healthcare. When her work hours were reduced, Shanae filed for unemployment to help offset the loss of income. As part of her requirements, she attended the RESEA Orientation on October 7, 2025, where she received additional support and direction in her job search. During this time, she applied for a position with the University of Texas and, with continued encouragement and coaching from Workforce Solutions staff—including Cheryl—attended a local UT job fair. Her dedication paid off. Shanae interviewed for a CMA position and was offered a role with UT Vascular, successfully completing her RESEA reemployment goal on October 17, 2025. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “The support given to me by the RESEA program helped me while I looked for work. I did the work, but they were there supporting me if I needed more help.” Throughout her journey, Shanae credits her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson, for providing consistent guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support. Shanae shared her appreciation for Cheryl’s role in helping her stay focused and confident, noting that her Navigator's assistance made a meaningful difference in navigating each step of the process. “The experience was humbling and gratifying. I experienced hope. I’m hopeful for the future. This has made me more ambitious and resilient in myself,” Shanae said. She now plans to continue her education to become a sonographer and encourages others facing similar challenges: “Don’t give up. Don’t underestimate your worth. Because someone will accept your worth.” Shanae’s journey highlights how Workforce Solutions East Texas programs, paired with dedicated support from staff like Cheryl Jackson, can turn barriers into opportunities and help individuals achieve meaningful, lasting career success.
Finding and keeping great employees is one of the biggest challenges for any business. Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) offers support to help employers do both. TWS-VRS partners with businesses to provide customized solutions for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. These services are designed to save time, reduce costs, and strengthen your workforce. Hire with confidence TWS-VRS connects employers with qualified, pre-screened candidates. This helps reduce recruitment time and costs while giving businesses the chance to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Employers can also benefit from customized training opportunities that can be delivered directly at their worksite. This ensures new hires are prepared to succeed from day one. Access expert support at no cost Partnering with TWS-VRS gives businesses access to expert consultants who specialize in workplace accommodations and assistive technology. These professionals can help you find practical solutions to support your employees. Employers can also receive guidance on available tax credits and incentives, helping offset costs while improving workplace accessibility. Support and retain valued employees TWS-VRS also helps businesses retain employees whose performance may be affected by a physical, sensory, or mental impairment. Services include: Counseling and guidance Skills and workplace assessments Accommodation consultations Referrals to community support resources These services are available to employees who are: Experiencing challenges due to a disability At risk of losing their job Returning from disability-related leave Seeking advancement but need additional support The benefits of job retention Keeping experienced employees benefits both the individual and the business. With support from TWS-VRS: Businesses retain trained and knowledgeable staff Employees maintain income, benefits, and seniority Recovery time can improve with continued engagement at work Long-term disability impacts may be reduced Partner for success TWS-VRS provides common-sense solutions that help businesses hire qualified candidates and support employees already on the job. Partner with TWS-VRS today to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce while saving time and resources.
