Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas and Deep East Texas College and Career Alliance Partner for $189,021 Dual Credit, Job-Training Grant and $50,000 High Demand Job Training Grant
Date: Nov. 14, 2019
Media Contact: Cisco Gamez
Phone: 512-463-8556
AUSTIN ⎯ Jasper Independent School District (ISD) will provide customized training to students utilizing equipment funded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) through a $189,021 Dual Credit grant. Training supported by the grant allows students to earn credits towards occupational licenses or certifications. A $50,000 High Demand Job Training grant from the TWC was also awarded to the Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas area to benefit local workers in the Deep East Texas area.
“Congratulations to Jasper ISD on receiving the Dual Credit grant and Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas in partnership with the Jasper EDC on receiving the High Demand Job Training grant which will both offer students opportunities that will lead to recognized industry certificates in Computer Programming and Digital Forensics,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Investing in these students prepares an advanced talent pipeline and highly skilled workforce that will meet the demands of the 21st century.”
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas will collaborate with the Jasper Economic Development Corporation and Jasper ISD to provide customized training for students enrolled in the Career Technology Education courses. The goal of the program is for students to complete high school with the necessary certifications and real-world experience in high-demand career fields to be immediately employable, achieve a higher salary, experience success in their positions and be contributors to the local economy.
The funds from this $189,021 grant will be used to support a newly established Dual Credit Program by purchasing new computer equipment for a Computer Networking and Digital Forensics program. Students will be able to earn certificates in Cyber Defense Technology and test for certificates in CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Entry Technician.
In 2013, the Legislature amended the Skills statute to allow for up to 5% of Skills Development funds be used to support Dual Credit programs. The Legislature allocated $48 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2018-19 biennium. Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at www.texasworkforce.org/skills.
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas has also been granted a $50,000 High Demand Job Training grant to match funds provided by the Deep East Texas College and Career Alliance.
This HDJT grant is part of a statewide effort by TWC to support collaborations between Workforce Solutions partners and local economic development entities to create job training programs that will improve the skill sets of individuals for jobs in high-demand occupations in Texas communities.
Through the High-Demand Job Training Program, local workforce development boards can apply for funds from TWC to be matched by local economic development corporations, while funds are available. For more on this training program, businesses are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions office or visit the High-Demand Job Training Program webpage.
Contacts: Mark Durand, 409-489-6775, mdurand@detwork.org
Karen Stubblefield, 337-660-9128, kstubblefield@detwork.org
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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.
