Date: Jan. 17, 2019
Media Contact: Lisa Givens
Phone: 512-463-8556
Raymondville, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, and Donna ISDs receive Jobs and Education for Texans grants
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded three individual Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to independent school districts (ISDs): a $271,472 grant to Raymondville ISD; a $208,383 grant to Donna ISD; and a $280,630 grant to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. The schools will use the grants to purchase and install equipment necessary to train 779 students for careers in high-demand occupations including welding fabrication and emergency medical services. The grants will benefit students in the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley area.
Photos from the events can be downloaded from TWC’s Flickr page.
“It’s great to be back in the Valley and joining our community leaders to help students succeed and our economy grow,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “There’s a direct connection between high-skills and good careers, and TWC is committed to helping prepare Texas students for the jobs of tomorrow with the assistance of JET grants.”
“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.”
“Texas teachers are integral, key players for the educational and career success of our students,” said state Rep. Ryan Guillen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues and TWC as the agency presents these JET grant to expand career training opportunities for our high school students.”
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.
“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.”
For more information, visit the JET Grant Program webpage.
School contacts:
Raymondville ISD Superintendent Stetson Roane, 956-689-8175, sroane@raymondvilleid.org
Donna ISD Public Relations Officer Sandra Quintanilla, 956-464-1600 ext. 1005, cl. 956-457-1862, Sandra.Quintanilla@Donnaisd.net
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Director of Communications Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, 956-354-2027, Arianna.Hernandez@psjaisd.us
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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
