Two West Texas Schools Included for Million-Dollar Workforce Readiness Grants

On December 3, Texas Governor Abbott announced that a total of $1 million split between six separate grants have been awarded to various school districts. Two of these districts are in West Texas.

Texas Workforce Readiness Grants

These grants awarded to Texas independent school districts are awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and are intended to train students with key skills for high-demand jobs after graduation.

The money from these grants will go towards buying, repairing, or replacing equipment designed to educate students for the next generation of Texas' workforce.

What Schools Received the Workforce Readiness Grants?

A total of six school districts were awarded the dual credit grants. Two districts are right here in West Texas.

Dimmit ISD received $218,429 for their automotive technician program, while Hale Center ISD received $131,530 for a culinary program.

The remaining grant recipients include the following:

• Austwell-Tivoli ISD: $220,000 for phlebotomy program
• La Villa ISD: $146,233 for nursing program
• Orange Grove ISD: $220,000 for welding program
• Woodson ISD: $145,863 for welding program

What Are Dual Credit Grants?

These grants are aimed toward schools offering students a chance to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. This gives the student an advantage upon graduation.

In the case of these workforce dual credit grants, these refer to students earning high school credits while learning key skills for their career of choice (welding, culinary, nursing) at the same time.

According to TWC Chairman Joe Esparza, "students who gain hands-on work experience while earning a degree or certification have a significant advantage in the job market."