LIT Receives $354,853 JET Grant for Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Training

4/21/2026

Beaumont, Texas — Lamar Institute of Technology received a $354,853 grant in 2025 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) through its Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program to support workforce training in advanced manufacturing and automation. On Friday, April 17, 2026, TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett presented the grant at a ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.

The JET grant will fund the purchase of instructional equipment for courses in the Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics Technology and the continued development of LIT’s Robotics and Automation Technology program.

The equipment will provide students with hands-on training using industry-standard technology aligned with high-demand, high-wage occupations in Southeast Texas. The investment will support instruction in industrial troubleshooting, robotics, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers, electromechanical devices and advanced automation systems.

“We are grateful for the Texas Workforce Commission’s investment in our students and the regional workforce,” said Dr. Sid Valentine, LIT President. “These funds allow us to expand access to high-quality, hands-on training at LIT and across our partner campuses. Together, we are preparing students with the technical skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and meet the evolving needs of industry.”

Additionally, LIT dual credit partners Kountze ISD and West Sabine ISD received JET funding. Kountze ISD was awarded $353,282 to support its welding lab, where students earn credentials from LIT. West Sabine ISD received $332,500 for virtual reality equipment to support healthcare programs.

Through funding provided by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs to develop or expand career and technical education programs for public community, state, and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment funded through JET grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. Learn more about TWC’s JET grant program.

LIT registration for Summer and Fall 2026 is now open. To apply or learn more about LIT visit lit.edu.