Blue Ridge ISD is excited to announce that the district has been awarded a $346,185 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to enhance its welding program in partnership with Collin College.
The grant, awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will allow Blue Ridge ISD to update and improve its welding program, providing students with access to enhanced equipment and hands-on learning opportunities that better prepare them for careers in the skilled trades.
Through its partnership with Collin College, Blue Ridge ISD is working to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) opportunities and help students develop the skills needed to succeed after graduation. This investment will support the district's continued efforts to provide meaningful educational experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.
"This is an incredible opportunity for our students and our district," said Dr. Matthew Brown, Superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD. "Investments like this allow us to expand the opportunities available to our students and better prepare them for success beyond high school. We are grateful for the support of the Texas Workforce Commission and our partnership with Collin College."
Ashley Helms, Chief Academic Officer for Blue Ridge ISD, emphasized the need to provide opportunities for students in small, rural communities.
"One of our priorities in Blue Ridge ISD is making sure the size and location of our district doesn't limit the opportunities available to our students," said Helms. "This grant allows us to continue the success of our welding program. We're excited about what this investment means for our students and the opportunities it will create for them as they prepare for life after high school. We're also grateful for our partnership with Collin College and their shared commitment to expand opportunities for students in our community."
For Sean Williams, Blue Ridge ISD's agricultural science and welding teacher, the improvements will have a direct impact on the students who participate in the program.
"Welding is a skill that can open a lot of doors for students, whether they plan to enter the workforce after graduation or continue their education," said Williams. "Having access to updated equipment and more opportunities for hands-on experiences will make a real difference in what we can teach and what our students can accomplish. I'm excited to see our program grow and what our students will be able to do with these new resources."
Blue Ridge ISD is one of 84 recipients statewide selected to receive a portion of more than $20 million in JET grant funding announced by Governor Greg Abbott. Together, these grants are expected to support career training for more than 7,400 students across Texas.
The $346,185 award represents a significant investment in the future of Blue Ridge ISD students and reinforces the district's commitment to preparing graduates for success in college, careers, and beyond.
Learn more about the statewide grant announcement: Governor Abbott Announces Over $20 Million in Career Training Grants Across Texas