Grants Awarded to Local ISDs for Job Training

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Grants Awarded to Local ISDs for Job Training

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas present the grant check to Donna ISD.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas present the grant check to Donna ISD.

Donna ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Raymondville ISD are all recent recipients of Jobs and Education for Texas grants fro the Texas Workforce Commission. The schools will use the grants to purchase and install equipment necessary to train 779 students for careers in high-demand occupations. These include welding fabrication and emergency medical services.

Grant totals include $271,472 to Raymondville ISD, $208,383 to Donna ISD and $280,630 to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. The grants will benefit students in the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley area.

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas present the grant check to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas present the grant check to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.

“Ensuring businesses benefit from a skilled workforce is a big part of our economic development strategy in the Valley,” said state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. “Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Alvarez and the Texas Workforce Commission, the Rio Grande Valley is a great beneficiary of these wonderful opportunities to improve career opportunities for students.”

“We’re ecstatic and grateful for the Texas Workforce Commission’s support in granting us more than $208,000 in JET grant funding,” said Donna ISD Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez. “This is the first time our school district has received such a grant, which will be used to enhance our CTE (Career and Technical Education) Welding Program with the purchase of much-needed equipment. Our students will benefit tremendously and be better prepared to tackle their post high school endeavors.”

“Donna ISD and our CTE department strive to expand opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills while still in high school,” said Donna ISD CTE Director David Moreno. “Thank you to the Texas Workforce Commission for their commitment in supporting our district and awarding Donna ISD’s Welding program this grant. It will allow our students the opportunity to expand their skill set and be more competitive and marketable once they enter the workforce.”

About JET

The JET grant program allocates $10 million each biennium to defray start-up costs associated with the development of career and technical education programs to public community, state and technical colleges, and ISDs. These entities can apply for a JET grant to purchase and install equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree in a high-demand occupation.

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