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AUSTIN, TX -- Gov. Greg Abbott announced more than $2 million in grants to nine Texas higher education institutions to expand access to free educational resources for students enrolled in nursing and workforce training programs.
The grants are awarded through the Open Educational Resource (OER) Grant Program, which supports the creation and adoption of openly licensed textbooks and other course materials available through the OERTX digital library.
"Texas schools offer a competitive education for a variety of high-demand careers," Abbott said. "As we strengthen our workforce in nursing, cybersecurity, electrical technology, and business, it is critical that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their chosen field. These grants will expand access to free learning materials to make education more affordable for Texans."
Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the program has helped reduce the financial burden of purchasing textbooks for college students.
"As every college student knows, the cost of textbooks and supplies can put a dent in their bank account," Rosser said. "The OER grant program has reduced those costs for thousands of Texas students through the continual expansion of the OERTX online library of free textbooks and course materials."
The Open Educational Resource Grant Program was established by the Texas Legislature in 2018. Since then, the program has served more than 33,000 students and saved an estimated $3.5 million in textbook costs.
The following institutions received grants for the 2026-28 funding cycle: