Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy and the Fort Bend Juvenile Probation Department celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new, first-of-its-kind facility in the State of Texas on Feb. 20. The event was attended by nearly one hundred individuals from throughout the State of Texas, officials said in a subsequent press release.

Historically, youth and young adults in the Juvenile Justice System have been overlooked in workforce or career training and development initiatives, the release said.

“We all share the same love and hope for the children who come before us,” said Commissioner Dexter McCoy. “We all work towards their success and root for them, even if they struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel themselves. But as one of those kids who could have been given up on, as one of those kids who should have gone through a facility like the one besides us, I just want to remind you that every child in our care has potential to succeed. To be a welder, artist, electrician, entrepreneur, officer, judge, or even a county commissioner. It’s on us to create opportunities. And today, we take one more step forward in upholding that responsibility.”

One of the key advantages of vocational training is the inclusion of practical, industry-based skills training alongside classroom instruction while in residential treatment. Students will participate in hands-on applications of these skills for six to 12 months, earning dual credit through instruction from Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and Wharton Community Junior College (WCJC). Upon completion, they have the opportunity to enroll in one of two WCJC campuses for Cosmetology or one of the ten TSTC campuses across Texas for continual skills training. WCJC and TSTC are less than four miles from the Fort Bend County Juvenile Facility. Scholarship opportunities are available through the Texas Workforce Commission, the county’s affiliate non-profit Fort Bend Partnership for Youth (FBPFY) as well as industry partners.

“Our industry partners in place that are willing to support this initiative by providing additional equipment and sponsorship opportunities,” a county spokesperson said.

The Fort Bend County Juvenile Vocational Training Center will offer the following Industry based skills for career readiness:

· HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Vocational programs can typically be completed in six months to two years, equipping students with essential skills for a stable career.

· Welding: Welding programs are often short, with some taking as little as seven months, yet they offer significant earning potential and job stability.

· Skilled Construction (Carpentry): Certification programs in carpentry provide a pathway to a stable and well-paying career in construction, focusing on craftsmanship and technical expertise.

· Electrical: The basic Electrical program is the perfect fit for someone working in Construction or HVAC. The applications are real-world environments that are taught by industry-experienced professionals.

· Graphic or Digital Design: Skilled graphic designers play a vital role in the media that is consumed daily, from online platforms to printed materials.

· Cosmetology (Barber/Beauty): This industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, from barbering to hairstyling, makeup artistry, and skincare.


“This training center helps gives us the opportunity to give them a second chance through education, and it will give the youth an opportunity to find marketable, hands-on skills,” Juvenile Board Chairwoman Judge Toni Wallace said.

State Representative Lalani, who passed legislation to allow the juvenile probation department to now be able to seek state vocational grant funds was also in attendance, saying, “I believe education is an equalizer, we are all born in different homes, communities, times and different opportunities but education is a trampoline that we can all jump and come to that leveled field.”

Fort Bend County expects the center to be completed by early 2027. STOA Architects designed the new facility, and the construction firm is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The project was approved by Commissioners Court in February 2025.