Oct 21, 2009

BEAUMONT – Promoting a program whose motto is “every chance for every Texan,” Comptroller Susan Combs presented a scholarship check to Lamar Institute of Technology on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The scholarship funds, totaling $32,972, will be available to students who demonstrate financial need, who are Texas residents, and who are enrolled at LIT in one of 19 high-demand technology training programs identified in the grant.

The scholarship money is part of the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Program, which aims to meet work force needs training at community colleges. The Comptroller’s Office administers the program.

The Comptroller’s Office did a study, titled “Texas Works 2008,” found that 80 percent of jobs in the state did not require a four-year degree. Because there is a gap between funding for four-year educations and two-year degrees, the Comptroller’s office sought to remedy that, and the result is the JET Program.

One-third of program serves to provide scholarship funds for students like those at LIT.

LIT will offer scholarships to both current students and new students in identified programs for the spring 2010 semester.

Identified programs are Business and Computer Information Systems, Commercial Construction, Computer Drafting Technology, Computer Networking/Troubleshooting, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Instrumentation Technology, Occupational Safety and Health, Process Operating Technology, Utility Line Technology, Industrial Mechanics, Advanced Engine Technology, Welding, Dental Hygiene, Respiratory Care, Medical Radiologic Technology, Cardiovascular Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Technology and Health Information Technology.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be Texas residents, demonstrate financial need by completion of the FAFSA, and major in one of the indentified programs.

Information on the scholarship funds will be available beginning Nov. 2 in Beeson 219.