AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded a $322,680 grant to Robstown ISD from the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program. The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 60 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.

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.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa has been a strong supporter of the JET program and in securing funds from the Legislature for these grants. 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:

"Congratulations to Robstown ISD on receiving this $322,680 JET grant! For years, I have championed legislation and supported funding for initiatives such as the creation of the JET grant program. The grants help our students get the essential technical skills they need for a job and help put Texans back in the workforce in today's job market. I commend the Robstown ISD administration, board of trustees, and the staff that worked to request these funds. I also appreciate the Texas Workforce Commission for their commitment to the JET program and its continued success."

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