[SOUTH TX] - Harmony Public Schools in San Antonio, Laredo and Brownsville have been awarded a $350,000 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The funding will support the training of 100 students as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Texas.

The JET program, part of a $15 million initiative announced by Governor Greg Abbott, is designed to enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs across the state. This grant will provide Harmony Public Schools with the resources to purchase and install advanced medical equipment, giving students hands-on training and the opportunity to earn professional certifications and licenses.

“As Texas’ economy grows, so does the demand for a highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “These career training grants help prepare students for high-demand, good-paying careers, ensuring they have opportunities that lead to a better job and a brighter future.”

The $350,000 grant awarded to Harmony Public Schools South Texas will enable students to gain hands-on experience using advanced medical training equipment. Through this program, students will earn certifications and licenses that directly align with workforce demands, ensuring they are equipped for immediate success in healthcare careers.

"We are honored to receive the JET grant, which will create new opportunities for our students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare,” said Mr. Selcuk Bakir, Superintendent of Harmony Public Schools South Texas District. “This funding supports our mission to prepare students for college and career, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals."

In the first year, this grant will help Harmony Public Schools South Texas train 100 students, contributing to the state’s goal of equipping more than 6,900 students with career-ready skills through the JET program.