Get workforce certificate, job skills fast and free through adult education grant

Ready to earn a workforce certificate while improving your academic, language, and soft skills?

You can do both for free thanks to San Jacinto College’s integrated education and training program. If you’re looking to upskill or start a new career pathway quickly, you’ll pursue a short-term technical program alongside a support course to hone your career skills.

Explore a new career in applied trades, health occupations, business, aerospace, or information technology.

Why pursue this program

Get your start in a solid entry-level career with growth opportunities. Integrated education and training is available to all adults, regardless of income.

San Jac offers the program at no cost through the Adult Education and Literacy Grant funded by the Houston Galveston Area Council and Texas Workforce Commission.

While San Jac has offered integrated education and training for a while, most courses have focused on paraprofessional training.

“We’re expanding the options to better serve the needs of our community,” Roberto Mendez, adult education grants director, said.

How it works

You’ll enroll in an approved applied trades, health occupations, business, aerospace, or information technology program (length varies). You’ll also attend a contextualized course that covers basic math and reading related to the occupation you’re pursuing. No textbooks or course materials are required.

Courses are available in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats depending on the certification program you’re pursuing.

“For example, patient care tech is in-person only, while medical office professional is fully online,” Mendez said.

Most classes occur in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working students. The next classes will be available in summer (June-August) and fall (September-December) semesters.

“After completing the program, you can expect to be certified/licensure ready, be equipped with a resume and interview skills, and know how to job search,” Mendez said.

How to get started

To find an approved certification program and get the integrated education and training application, call 281-478-2734 or email adulteducation@sjcd.edu.

To be eligible for this grant opportunity, you must...

• Have a government-issued, valid picture ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• Have a Social Security card or valid work permit
• Provide a high school diploma or GED
• Be 19 or older
• Attend both a workforce certification program and a contextualized class

Other requirements are based on the workforce certification you select. You’ll complete an intake session, including orientation, registration, and testing.

Learn more about adult education and literacy

More Adult Education Courses

San Jac offers these other grant-funded programs for adults ages 19* and older. All require a placement test:

1. English as a Second Language

   Focuses on everyday English skills (basic through advanced levels), including reading, writing, listening, and speaking

   ESL Programs

2. International Trained Professionals

   Focuses on English skills for the workplace — from understanding and speaking to reading and writing

3. High School Equivalency/GED Test Prep

   Adult basic education classes (1st-8th grades) and high school equivalency classes (9th-12th grades) to gain a high school credential

   GED Prep Classes

*Note: Exceptions are available with official withdrawal from public school, consent from parent, or court order.