Canceled: Workforce Solutions East Texas to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Partnered Service Location with Kilgore College
Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 4, 2020
March 16th Update: Event Canceled
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce a new Access Point Partner Location established at the Kilgore College Student Support Center Lab opening on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Access Point locations are service locations where WSET has established partnerships with community organizations to set up a location for service access for job seekers to receive on-site assistance. These sites have a WSET resource area where job seekers can register for WorkInTexas.com, receive assistance professional development workshops and access to resources during their staffed service hours. The Kilgore College Access Point location is located at located in at 977 Ross Avenue in Kilgore and will be staffed every Wednesday from 9 AM to 2 PM. WSET invites the public to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new partnership on March 18th, at 10 AM at the Student Support Center Lab.
"Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to partner with President Dr. Brenda Kays and Kilgore College as we continue to tailor our services footprint in the region,” said WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “The Kilgore College/Workforce Services center will reach students and members of the public where they are, in Gregg County, Rusk County, and beyond. This is one more example of the productive relationship between Workforce Services and higher education as we groom our talented neighbors to meet and exceed the needs of today's and tomorrow's employers. We're here to support participants earning the degrees, credentials, and certificates industry demands, setting them on lifelong career trajectories. Our graduates will, in turn, show future employers why the smart choice is to call Kilgore home."
“We are extremely proud to partner with Workforce Solutions East Texas to provide this needed access point for our students and community members. It is a win-win for both Kilgore College and the city of Kilgore,” Kays said. “This is such a positive addition to the Kilgore campus, allowing easy access for those who are seeking to use their education to enter living-wage careers.”
This will be the fourth Access Point location to open since December expanding service opportunities for job seekers. WSET has partnered locations with Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Rains County Library in Emory, and the Library at Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points. Details on Access Point location service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.
For more information, contact WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas at (903) 561.8131
Deadline for applications - September 26, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions -Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) invite you to a celebration event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to noon at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604. At WSET, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all abilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a powerful reminder of the immense talent and untapped potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whether you are an employer seeking to hire individuals with disabilities, an organization championing disability rights, or someone seeking to learn more TWS-VRS we invite you to attend our upcoming event. Our event promises insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, stories from participants who are successfully navigating their journey after receiving services through TWS-VRS along with those business partners who have hired them. There will also be resources aimed at helping businesses take significant steps toward creating a workplace that includes all abilities on their team. Let's come together to celebrate our 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We celebrate the value and talent that all Americans - including people with disabilities – bring to our businesses, organizations, and communities. Join us in the momentous occasion as we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history.
When Malachi Whedbee joined the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, he saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to his community. What he didn’t expect was how much of an impact his dedication would make—both on his future and on the people around him. Through SEAL, Malachi began working full-time at the Upshur Rural Library, clocking in at 8:00 a.m. every morning and working until 5:00 p.m. His days were filled with tasks like completing computer library entries, assisting with various projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. But for Malachi, these duties weren’t just boxes to check—they were chances to prove himself. And prove himself he did. Malachi’s exceptional work ethic showed in everything he did. He was always on time, completed assignments with precision, and eagerly stepped up for additional responsibilities. His positive attitude was contagious, creating a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. Mrs. King, the library’s supervisor, quickly recognized that Malachi was more than just a temporary hire—he was an asset. Describing him as “outgoing, dependable, and hardworking,” she praised his professionalism and the joy he brought to the workplace. By the end of the program, Malachi’s efforts had done more than meet expectations—they had opened a door. Mrs. King was so impressed that she offered him an interview for a permanent position at the library. With the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to every day on the job, Malachi accepted the opportunity. Malachi’s journey through SEAL is more than a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of how young adults with disabilities can break barriers and build meaningful careers when given the chance. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and opportunity are the real building blocks of success.
