Premont ISD Wins Federal Grant, Advances Rural Tech Education

Premont Independent School District in Jim Wells County was named a finalist by the U.S. Department of Education for the Rural Tech Project on December 14, 2025. As a finalist, Premont received a $100,000 grant to advance its Rural Tech Project and will compete for an additional $100,000 against districts from California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Virginia.

The Rural Tech Project funds hands on learning across STEM, teaching, medical fields, and technical skills. Premont has built the program in partnership with nearby districts including Brooks County ISD and Freer ISD to broaden course offerings and share resources across district lines. Superintendent Steve VanMatre said the recognition affirms the district’s programming and the opportunities offered to rural students.

For local residents the award offers immediate expansion of student access to career focused coursework that has historically been limited in small rural districts. The grant money can be used to purchase equipment, develop curriculum, and support joint programming that allows students from multiple districts to participate without each district bearing the full cost. That pooled model can reduce duplication, lower per student costs, and create clearer pathways to local employment in health care, technology, and skilled trades.

Institutionally the selection highlights how federal investment programs can alter the strategic choices of rural school systems. By securing federal funds and formalizing partnerships with neighboring districts, Premont is positioning itself to retain students locally and to strengthen workforce pipelines that municipal leaders and employers have cited as priorities. The choice also underscores the role of competitive federal grants in incentivizing regional collaboration rather than isolated district initiatives.

Next steps will include program implementation funded by the initial grant and the ongoing competition for the additional departmental award. If Premont wins the supplementary prize, the district could accelerate planned expansions and deepen joint offerings with Brooks County and Freer. For now the finalist designation brings a measurable financial boost and a platform to scale hands on education for rural students across Jim Wells County.