by James Walker
Texas Southmost College was awarded a $84,614 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to support student training in its Welding program. The award, which was formally presented during a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, at the TSC Performing Arts Center, will fund new equipment that enhances hands-on instruction and prepares students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
The grant was part of a larger set of JET awards announced for the Rio Grande Valley, totaling more than $1.17 million across five institutions. In addition to TSC, recipients included Edinburg CISD, Roma ISD, South Texas ISD, and Weslaco ISD, each partnering with local colleges to expand career training in healthcare and technical fields. Collectively, the grants will benefit more than 2,000 students across the region.
Funded by the Texas Legislature, JET grants assist with tackling the start-up costs of developing or expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs for public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools. Equipment funded through JET is required to be tied directly to training students for industry certifications, licensure, or degrees in high-demand occupations.
At TSC, the $84,614 grant supported the Workforce Training and Continuing Education division, specifically the Welding program in partnership with Edinburg CISD. The funding allowed the college to purchase and install new, state-of-the-art equipment that ensures students gain practical experience with the same tools and technology used in today’s workforce.
Speaking on the lasting impact of the grant, TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez emphasized how the funding goes beyond new equipment, directly benefiting both students and the industries they will one day serve.
“These are the grants that impact our youth and future workforce,” remarked Dr. Rodriguez as he addressed the gathered audience. “They’re going to benefit by getting a good employment, but the benefit also extends to our local industries because they’re going to get a workforce that has received high-quality training.”
During the ceremony, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented the grant to TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Board Chair Adela G. Garza, and other college leaders. Faculty, staff, and community partners joined in the celebration, which highlighted the importance of expanding workforce training opportunities in the region.
In his remarks, Commissioner Treviño highlighted the broader significance of the JET program across the Rio Grande Valley, noting the urgent workforce needs these grants are designed to address.
“We’re honored to present five JET Grant awards to outstanding recipients,” remarked Commissioner Treviño. “These five grants are going to be instrumental in training students in health care and welding, two industries that are in desperate need of skilled workforce and workers that can help our area and our economy.”
With new equipment in place, students entering TSC’s Welding program are now better equipped to gain the skills, training, and confidence needed to succeed in high-demand careers and contribute to the region’s continued economic growth.
TSC JET Grant Award Presentation
TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez delivers welcoming remarks at the check presentation ceremony.
TSC JET Grant Award Presentation
TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela G. Garza addresses the audience before the check presentation.
TSC JET Grant Award Presentation
The grant funds will go toward new training equipment for TSC’s WTCE Welding program.
TSC JET Grant Award Presentation
Texas Southmost College was one of five schools in the Rio Grande Valley to receive a grant award to enhance workforce training programs.
TSC JET Grant Award Presentation
