Governor Abbott announces new funding to train future EMTs, nurses, and assistants
Austin, Texas – Three colleges in the Texas Panhandle are receiving a combined boost of over $739,000 to enhance career training opportunities for local students, Governor Greg Abbott announced. The funding, distributed through the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program, will support the purchase of training equipment aimed at preparing students for high-demand healthcare roles.
The grants are intended to strengthen career and technical education programs across the region, helping students gain hands-on experience in fields such as emergency medical services and nursing. In total, the funding will initially benefit more than 230 students at Amarillo College, Clarendon College, and Frank Phillips College.
“The Texas economy is booming thanks to our diverse and highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “Investments to these three Panhandle area schools are crucial to the continued success of our workforce and building a stronger, more prosperous Texas. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission for partnering with colleges across our state to help train Texas students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation. Working together, we will ensure Texans in every corner of our state have the opportunity for a better job and a bigger paycheck.”
Amarillo College received the largest share, with a $311,476 grant to train 120 students in emergency medical services. Frank Phillips College followed closely with a $331,298 grant for training 100 students as licensed practical and vocational nurses. Clarendon College secured $97,025 to support the training of 11 students pursuing careers as nursing assistants.
The grant announcements were made during a ceremony at the Workforce Solutions Panhandle regional office, where TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza presented the awards. Local leaders and education officials were in attendance to mark the occasion.
“Today’s JET grant awards will allow hundreds of students to train for critical healthcare occupations like emergency medical technicians and nurses,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Our partnership with innovative education institutions supports the success of future job seekers while building a pipeline of talented workers to meet local business needs.”
The JET grant program, supported through funding provided by the Texas Legislature every two years, helps public schools and colleges purchase equipment necessary to expand or start new career training programs. All funded equipment must be used to prepare students for high-demand fields identified by the state.
While this latest round of awards focuses on healthcare careers, additional JET grant recipients for the current fiscal year are expected to be announced in the months ahead.
The effort reflects Texas’ broader push to align education with workforce needs, ensuring students from all regions—including rural areas like the Panhandle—can access training that leads to good-paying, in-demand jobs.
