$6M to be shared for high-demand industry job training
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Recipients of the Job Building Fund grants are required to provide matching funds in the form of cash, equipment, materials, supplies and/or personnel costs. The Comptroller’s awards were based on a project's anticipated economic return to the state and on those that involve dual-credit programs with local high schools or cooperative arrangements with other colleges.
The largest grant amount of funding - $500,000 – went to South Texas College in McAllen. The funds will be used for computer and information sciences projects. The Tarrant County College Foundation was awarded $441,650 for CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinist projects.
Among awards to community colleges, Blinn College in Brenham will use its $350,000 in funds for advanced simulation equipment for its nursing program. Other health care projects funded include a simulated medical dispensing system project at Lamar State College in Port Arthur, purchase of simulated hospital system equipment for North Central Texas College in Gainesville and distance learning equipment to be used for LVNs to transition to RNs by participating in distance learning classes through the Alamo Community College District Foundation.
Interest is spiking in renewable energy, largely due to both individual citizens and government entities seeking to reduce their energy costs. The result is the need for trained professionals for energy efficiency projects, from weatherization to installation of solar panels. Numerous awards were made for renewable energy projects, including $124,490 to Collin College in McKinney for photovoltaic solar energy training and $202,182 for equipment for a wind energy technician program at Ranger College in Ranger.
To view a complete list of the recipient schools and organizations, their location, project, grant type and award amount, click here and look under "Recent Reports."
