News Summary
Texas is enhancing career and technical training for students with the recent signing of House Bill 20 and House Bill 120. With over $7 billion invested in the past two years, Texas aims to provide diverse training options that prioritize workforce readiness. The new Applied Sciences Pathway Program will allow high school students to earn diplomas while completing certificate programs. Schools in North Central Texas will receive over $1.6 million in grants, benefiting nearly 540 students in high-demand fields. The initiatives aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, positioning Texas as a leader in workforce development.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students across the state. House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 are designed to prepare young Texans for a range of high-demand careers and to address the workforce needs of Texas industries.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of career training by stating that not every student is suited for the traditional four-year college route. Over the past two years, Texas has dedicated more than $7 billion to career training initiatives, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering a robust workforce. By passing the two new laws, Texas aims to significantly improve the quality and accessibility of career training programs.
Key elements of the new legislation include the establishment of the Applied Sciences Pathway Program through House Bill 20, which permits high school juniors and seniors to pursue diplomas while completing certificate programs in technical fields. Meanwhile, House Bill 120 aims to broaden access to quality CTE programs and improve career advising practices, thereby enhancing overall college, career, and military readiness for Texas students.
The signing ceremony brought together prominent stakeholders in the education sector, including Senator Bob Hall, Representative Gary Gates, and local school leaders, illustrating a collective effort to advance workforce development in Texas.
Career Training Grants Announced
In conjunction with the legislation, Governor Abbott announced that six North Central Texas schools will receive a total of $1.6 million in career training grants from the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program. These grants will provide essential equipment needed to help train over 540 students in high-demand job sectors, such as nursing and mechanics.
The JET program is invested in supporting educational institutions in establishing or enhancing CTE programs. It will alleviate some costs associated with acquiring specialized training equipment, ensuring that learners are equipped with the tools necessary for their chosen careers. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza noted that these grants play a crucial role in preparing hundreds of students for successful futures.
Support for San Antonio Schools
Additionally, Governor Abbott announced another $1.5 million in JET grants specifically for five schools in the San Antonio region, which are aimed at equipping students for careers in software development, nursing, and welding. These funds will benefit over 650 students across the five institutions involved, ensuring access to the latest training equipment and resources.
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel also highlighted the JET program’s critical role in meeting Texas’s workforce needs. By assisting educational institutions with the costs of developing quality CTE programs, the program ensures that equipment is directed toward training for high-demand occupations.
Future Workforce Development
The recent legislative initiatives and grant announcements reflect Texas’s proactive approach to workforce development. Governor Abbott has made career training a priority as an emergency item for the upcoming 89th Regular Legislative Session, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to preparing its workforce to meet future job demands.
The state is laying the groundwork for a more versatile educational framework that recognizes diverse career pathways. By expanding CTE opportunities, Texas positions itself as a leader in economic growth and workforce preparedness, setting a model for other states to follow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KCN News: Six Texas Schools Receive Career Training Grants
- GovTech: Texas Advances Bill to Expand Career and Technical Education
- NBC Dallas-Fort Worth: Texas New Workforce Training Laws
- Fox San Antonio: Texas Awards Over $15 Million in Career Training Grants
- Community Impact: Klein ISD Career Technical Education Programs Funding
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
