Windham School District garners over $290,000 in grants for advanced welding education

Feb. 3—HUNTSVILLE — In December 2024, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the award of a Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to Windham School District for $295,742, distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These funds will enhance the district’s ability to train students as welders through the addition of an advanced welding program.
JET grants provide critical funding to public junior, state and technical colleges; school districts; and open-enrollment charter schools. Funds support the purchase of equipment needed in career and technical education (CTE) programs to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage jobs upon reentry.
“This grant represents an important step in equipping our students with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive job market,” Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said in a news release. “We are committed to fostering opportunity so our graduates contribute to the needs of Texas employers. The continued support from the Texas Workforce Commission allows us to expand our CTE offerings and directly address the demand for a skilled workforce.”
Windham’s welding program is one of several initiatives that align with the district’s mission to provide effective career training opportunities. This JET grant supported the development of an advanced welding class for students following their completion of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Welding Level One coursework and industry-based certification.
To ensure the program aligns with current industry standards, Windham collaborated with industry partners for feedback on curriculum and equipment needs. Based on their recommendations, the district secured state-of-the-art augmented reality welding simulators and live arc welding systems, which combine virtual reality with practical welding experience. These tools allow students to refine their skills in a cutting-edge learning environment that mirrors real-world industry settings.
“We pride ourselves on staying attuned to workforce trends and adjusting our curriculum to meet employer needs and current industry standards,” CTE Administrator Ted Watts said. “This grant not only supports our efforts to provide high-quality training but also underscores the importance of partnerships between education and industry in building a stronger Texas economy.”
This initiative supports Windham’s 2030 Plan by enhancing career readiness and equipping students with the resources required to excel. The Welding program is one of over 40 CTE programs offered by the district across numerous career clusters recognized by the Texas Education Agency. With these awarded funds, the district continues to invest in innovative training methods that bridge the gap between education and workforce demands.
Overall, TWC awarded more than $15 million in JET grants to support CTE programs across the state. Lee College, one of Windham’s postsecondary partners, also received JET grants to enhance their CTE programs. Lee College will expand its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program at the Wynne campus, aiming to train students for careers in the trucking industry. With the acquisition of two Freightliner M2106 semi-trucks, the program provides hands-on training and prepares students to obtain CDL certification. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for trucking careers offering competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $110,000 annually, supporting reentry effort. The initiative plans to train 60 students by the grant’s end.
Postsecondary programs play a critical role in providing Windham graduates with opportunities to further their education and skills, creating pathways to long-term career success. Windham’s continued focus on workforce-aligned training ensures students are well-prepared for career advancement and further educational opportunities upon program completion.