Workforce Solutions Summer Earn and Learn Program Benefiting Students with Disabilities

On October 19th, 2023, Workforce Solutions (WFS) hosted the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) Employer Appreciation Breakfast, which brought together employers and partners who participated in the 2023 SEAL program. This energetic event featured employer recognitions and an informative panel discussion that shone a spotlight on the tremendous success of the program.

SEAL is a collaboration with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehab Services (VR), a division of Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). WFS facilitates the Summer Earn & Learn (SEAL) program which supports TWC’s implementation of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities.

The statewide initiative includes work readiness training and 5 weeks of paid work experience for students with disabilities. The training allows students to enthusiastically explore different industries/occupations while developing soft, technical, and people skills.

“This year, an incredible 142 individuals completed the SEAL program in over 70 different worksites ranging from retail to healthcare facilities.” Said Francisco Almaraz, WFS Chief Executive Officer. “SEAL is an excellent and exciting way for students with disabilities to gain work experience and learn from employers who are passionately committed to an inclusive workforce.”

A total of 13 SEAL participating worksites were recognized for their inspiring initiative towards building an inclusive workforce, making the event a resounding success.The panel discussion featured a SEAL participant, employer, and educator who shared their experiences of the program with great enthusiasm and provided insights into how employers and partners can better support students with disabilities during and beyond the program.

“Partnering with Workforce Solutions to help our students with disabilities was the absolute best thing ever, without them our program wouldn’t exist.” Said Veronica Quintana, Director of PSJA’s Pathways Toward Independence/LIFE Program.

“My successes have included learning different skills and personal lessons I took from different jobs have helped me grow as an employee.” Said SEAL participant, Nathan Mann with excitement.

“Participating in the SEAL program has been an amazing and rewarding experience, as employers, we look forward to a mutual learning experience from participants as we also learn to become a more inclusive workplace.” Said Augusto Contreras, Co-Founder of Creative Arts Studio.

Workforce Solutions serves as the governing body for the workforce development area that includes Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to enthusiastically respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.

###