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“The Texas economy is stronger when all Texans contribute to its success,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Summer Earn and Learn program opens up a new talent pool for Texas employers trying to keep up with labor demands as our economy continues to grow.”
This past summer, Cassidy, a student who is deaf, gained work experience and improved her communication skills while earning a paycheck with CVS Health, a partner in Goodwill’s SEAL in Tarrant County. With the support of her job coach and a sign language interpreter, Cassidy felt welcomed at her job, and her confidence grew as a result.
“I was excited and nervous, but I knew that I would rather have a job than do nothing over the summer,” said Cassidy. “I walk the aisles, and when I see things in the wrong place, I pick them up, and I find out where they belong. I have a scanner that I use that tells me where to put it in the right place. Sometimes, it’s tough to communicate with people, and I tend to get tired pretty easily, but having interpreters here really helps with the communication barriers that I experience. CVS is a good start to my experience with work because I enjoy what I do here.”
Watch Cassidy’s story here.
“Summer Earn and Learn students with disabilities the opportunity to learn and take on responsibilities associated with careers they might choose for their future,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This program helps students return to school with positive work experiences, meaningful skill sets, and confidence that they can pursue their career goals.”
The SEAL program has grown to nearly 1,100 worksites, which have included a variety of private and public sector employers. Typhoon Texas in Houston, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, the City of Lubbock, Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Lampasas Chamber of Commerce, Sea World San Antonio, and Sapling Farms in Sanger are a few.
Employers who have participated in SEAL express positive experiences, appreciate having the additional help on their teams, and broaden their perspectives from working with students with disabilities.
“Summer Earn and Learn connects Texas employers to their local workforce talent, which includes students with disabilities, who will soon be entering the workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “People with disabilities are the true problem solvers of our society, and employers seeking to add a valuable, committed, and reliable team member to their workforce will find this program incredibly valuable.”
For two years, Dallas-Fort Worth area business Movie Tavern has welcomed several students for summer employment through the SEAL Program. Terry Sullivan, General Manager of the Bedford location of Movie Tavern, appreciates the help and has also hired two students as full-time employees.
“It’s an exciting thing for us to work with Goodwill. It’s a win-win for us and for the students who get some practical experience from working on the job, and it’s extra labor for us,” said Sullivan. “They get to grow with the company. They are a great asset and a great help to Movie Tavern.”
Watch more about Movie Tavern’s SEAL students’ experiences here.
Students interested in participating in SEAL should contact their local TWS-VRS office:
Visit: twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe
Call: 512-936-6400
Email: vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us
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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. Subscribe to our email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.