South Texas ISD receives JET grant to upgrade Science Academy automotive program

South Texas ISD announced it received the Jobs and Education (JET) grant to support equipment enhancements for the Science Academy’s automotive technology service and broader career and technical education programs. A South Texas ISD representative said the grant will expand students’ hands-on training and access to workforce credentials.

The district representative said, “South Texas ISD is proud to announce we were recipients for the Jobs and Education JET grant for Science Academy in our automotive technology service, for career and technical education, equipment enhancement.” The announcement said those enhancements will give students opportunities to obtain credentials and practical experience but did not specify the award amount or the timeline for equipment purchases.

A presenter described the effort as a collaborative regional initiative involving local schools and workforce partners, saying stakeholders are coordinating to ensure “we have a skilled workforce for all the companies and businesses coming to the area.” The presenter added, “This is a group of collaboration that's happening not just with, the schools in the area, but with our workforce partners as well.”

Another presenter highlighted the employment prospects the program aims to address, saying, “These are workforce skills that are in high demand and needed. And of course, the students here are gonna be able to obtain hands on experience. And most importantly, it's about giving them an opportunity.” The presenters framed the grant as a pathway for students to enter high-demand, higher-paying fields in the Rio Grande Valley.

The district did not provide figures for the grant award or a schedule for when equipment will be purchased and installed. Officials described the grant as focused on equipment enhancement and workforce credentialing rather than programmatic curriculum changes. Next steps and timelines were not specified in the remarks.