AUSTIN — The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded 5 grants totaling $1,132,275 through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program to Del Mar College and multiple independent school districts within Senate District 20 for programs that support career training for high-demand occupations.

The JET grant program annually provides grants for equipment to eligible education institutions to defray the costs associated with developing career and technical education programs or courses leading to a license, certificate, or post-secondary degree. JET recipients must use equipment to train students in high schools and community colleges for jobs in high-demand occupations or emerging industries.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa was instrumental in the legislature's decision to appropriate the $16 million to the program for the 2020-2021 biennium. In 2015, Senator Hinojosa authored and passed Senate Bill 1351, which transferred oversight of the JET grant program from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to the TWC. The transfer helped ensure the state-funded program is a priority and bolster the TWC's capacity-building mission to prepare Texans for today's workforce.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"I want to congratulate our JET recipients in Senate District 20. For many years, I have championed legislation and supported funding for initiatives such as the creation of the JET grant program. The grants will help our students get the essential technical skills and help put Texans back in the workforce in today's job market. As employers continue to require more than a high school diploma, employers are working together with high schools and community colleges to help meet the demands of the 21st century workforce."

The Jobs and Education for Texans grant recipients from Senate District 20 are:

• Del Mar College - $283,381 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 414 students with training in the occupation of registered nurse.
• Corpus Christi ISD - $284,976 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 680 students with training in the occupation of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse.
• La Joya ISD - $247,126 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 130 students with training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD - $269,624 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 140 students with training in the occupation of automotive service technician and mechanic.
• San Diego ISD - $47,168 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 76 students with training in the occupation of electrical and electronical engineering technician

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