Celebrating the Success of the 2023 Summer Earn & Learn (SEAL) Program

Workforce Solutions East Texas • August 25, 2023

Once again, the Summer Earn & Learn (SEAL) program has proven its transformative power for students aged 14 to 22 with disabilities. This innovative initiative provides a unique avenue for these individuals to learn hard and soft skills while earning an income. By establishing intern-style partnerships with local businesses, the program creates opportunities during the summer and paves the way for these students' future entry into the workforce.


Workforce Solutions East Texas takes immense pride in the impact of the SEAL program on students' skill development and overall personal growth. Throughout the summer, these students have broadened their horizons and refined their abilities. The program strongly emphasizes hands-on experience, supported by the unwavering commitment of the students and their job coaches.


The true success of the SEAL program is best conveyed through the accomplishments of its participants. Let's look at a selection of exceptional students who've not only completed the program but have also impacted their respective work sites.


Meredith Morgan at The Upshur County Library

Meredith Morgan's journey embodies the essence of the SEAL program, as she completed a five-week internship at the Upshur County Library. Her exceptional customer service and organizational prowess were evident during her time at the front desk. Meredith aspires to become a veterinarian, and the skills she learned through this program will help her achieve her dreams.


LaDarrion Ford, Skylah Slaten, & Micah Johnson at Goodwill in Marshall

A trio of achievement, LaDarrion Ford, Skylah Slaten, and Micah Johnson united for a Work Experience Internship at Goodwill in Marshall. Their commitment, hard work, and mentorship from job coach Thecela Cooks resulted in acquiring invaluable skills. From sorting and hanging clothing to aiding customers, these students can walk away with communication skills for future careers.


Jayden Medellin & Parker Vinson at Elijah's Retreat

Jayden Medellin and Parker Vinson embarked on a transformative journey at Elijah's Retreat in Jacksonville, underscoring the influence of teamwork and personal development. Flourishing while caring for animals and tending to the retreat's grounds, these two bright students showcased their dedication, hard work, and infectious enthusiasm. Their success highlights how the SEAL program positively shapes personal and professional growth.


Lelan Meza at CVS

Tasked with CVS in Tyler, Lelan's professionalism, eagerness to learn, and impeccable work ethic did not go unnoticed. His contributions extended beyond the store's confines, leaving an impression on a neighboring business manager. Lelan's dedication yielded significant rewards by securing an after-school position at Taco Bueno. 


As we draw the curtain on the 2023 Summer Earn & Learn (SEAL) program, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants who've experienced exceptional growth and left indelible marks in their workplaces. The program's influence spans beyond the summer, laying the foundation for these remarkable students to flourish in their local workforces and communities. Our gratitude extends to all contributors—students, families, job coaches, and local businesses alike—for collaboratively shaping the success of SEAL and empowering these students to construct bright and promising futures.


Learn more about the programs and services within Vocational Rehabilitation by visiting www.easttexasworkforce.org/vocational-rehabilitation-services.

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June 18th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • June 16, 2026
Thursday, June 18 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

TWC Launches New Child Care Resources Webpage

May 26, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced the launch of a new online resource for Texas employers. The Child Care Resources for Employers webpage is designed to help employers better support their employees’ child care needs. “We are empowering Texas employers with the tools they need to support working families, which is a critical component of our state’s economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “This resource is a strategic investment in our workforce that helps businesses retain talent and ensures Texas remains the best state to live, work, and raise a family.” The new webpage was created in response to Senate Bill 1265, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature. It offers clear information on several topics including child care assistance programs, available state and federal tax credits, and dependent care savings accounts. The webpage also shares best practices and policies that businesses can adopt to help their employees access reliable child care. Studies show that supporting child care needs can improve employee morale, reduce absences, and increase productivity. The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) was a key partner in passing the legislation and developing the webpage. Their advocacy highlighted the need for these resources across all industries. “We hear consistently from local business operators that they want to help their employees access child care, but they don’t know where to start,” said TRA Chief Public Affairs Officer and Co-Founder of Employers for Childcare (E4C) Kelsey Erickson Streufert. “We are grateful for the TWC’s partnership creating the new Child Care Resources for Employers webpage, and we look forward to building on this momentum to expand working families’ access to affordable, quality childcare.” This new resource makes it easier for Texas employers to offer benefits that help attract and retain their workforce. The webpage provides guidance on how employers can survey their staff to understand their specific child care challenges. This helps businesses offer the most effective and impactful support. The Child Care Resources for Employers page can be found within the Texas Work & Family Policies section of the TWC website. Employers are encouraged to visit the webpage to learn more.

A Team You Can Always Turn To: Tahyua Crowder’s Journey with Workforce Solutions East Texas

May 22, 2026
When Tahyua Crowder arrived in Tyler, she was searching for more than a job. She was searching for stability, hope, and a fresh start. After leaving a domestic violence situation, she found herself rebuilding her life in a new city, uncertain of what the future would hold. But one thing she did know was where to turn for support. Having worked with Workforce Solutions programs from across the state of Texas since the age of 15, Tahyua understood the value of having a team that believed in her potential. “Every time I was in a bind, I knew I needed to go back to Workforce Solutions to tighten up,” she shared. “I was always able to go to Workforce.” Although Tahyua was in a new place with new people, she knew there was a Workforce Solutions office somewhere close. Eventually, she arrived at a Workforce Solutions East Texas office for assistance where she was able to access services through the CHOICES program for TANF recipients. From the beginning, Tahyua stood out. She approached every step of the program with determination and professionalism, completing her job search logs correctly from day one. Her secret was simple but powerful: organization and discipline. “Take notes. Write everything down. Don’t rely on memory,” she advised. “Set personal deadlines before the actual due date.” As she participated in the Keys to Success class, a webinar series designed to support and develop job readiness skills, Tahyua found encouragement not only from staff, but also from her peers. Listening to others share their experiences helped her reflect on her own growth and motivated her to keep moving forward. She described the Workforce Solutions team as “very loving, very caring, and warm,” adding that throughout her journey, staff ensured she had access to every available resource, from transportation assistance and gas cards to guidance in making career choices. What impacted Tahyua the most was the unwavering support and dignity she received during one of the hardest seasons of her life. “I was so lost when I moved here,” she said. “Everyone was very encouraging. They were adamant that I get up and understood that I had the power to change my life.” That encouragement and support eventually paid off. After completing program services and participating in mock interviews through WIOA, Tahyua impressed staff with her confidence and professionalism. Her success during those interviews opened new opportunities and strengthened her confidence in what she was capable of achieving. Tahyua was eventually offered a job on the CHOICES team. Her CHOICES Career Navigator, Jessica Vinson, remembers the moment well, stating that she just knew that Tahyua “would be a great addition to our already great CHOICES team!” Tahyua proudly served as a coworker alongside the very team that once supported her through crisis and transition. “Mount Everest had nothing on me,” she said when describing the transition from participant to employee. Unfortunately, restructuring happened in the program which caused Tahyua to begin job searching again. Although sad to leave her new team, she refused to let this event bring her down. So, Tahyua came through the doors of Workforce Solutions East Texas as a client once more. Not long after beginning job search, Tahyua found an exciting new career opportunity that was the perfect fit for her. Tahyua began working at LHH as an Insurance Agency Specialty. Tahyua shared that her recruiter at the company said that the interviewing team had “nothing but to say but amazing things” about her interview and they were thoroughly impressed. Tahyua is now confident and thriving in her new role with a great salary. “I felt accomplished,” she said. “This has been such an uphill battle. I was nervous and afraid I was going to lose everything. When I got that offer, I said I knew I could do this.” Today, Tahyua continues building a future she once feared was out of reach. She says her experience taught her that perseverance truly pays off, and that success comes from learning to bloom where you are planted. Now, Tahyua has even higher ambitions. “I want to go higher. Make management. Be over my own team and be in a position where I can treat others with the dignity and respect that I was given from my team at Workforce.” Throughout her journey, Tahyua remained grateful to her Career Navigator and dedicated team at Workforce Solutions East Texas that supported her through her journey. To others beginning their own journey, Tahyua offers this advice: “Blow your ceiling. Don’t have limits. Erase everything you’ve been through and what you’re coming from.”  Her hope is that others facing difficult circumstances will see her story and realize that success is possible no matter where they begin. “I hope someone will see my story and understand that the distance from the bottom to the top is not as far as it seems.” Her journey, from participant to staff member to her new role as an Insurance Agency Specialty worker, represents perseverance, resilience, the power of a dedicated support network, and the importance of believing in yourself even during life’s hardest moments.
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