TWC’s Summer Earn & Learn Program Connects Students with Disabilities to Work Opportunities

Texas Workforce Commission • May 17, 2023

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the kickoff of this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program for students with disabilities aged 14-22. Through work-based learning, students earn a paycheck while acquiring new skills and gaining professional experience. Employers participating in SEAL benefit from the addition of engaged and enthusiastic team members.


SEAL, is a partnership between TWC, Workforce Solutions Boards, and local employers who partner to create meaningful work opportunities. Students participating in SEAL attend work readiness training to prepare them for successful employment through the summer program.


“Most of us can remember the excitement of our first summer job and the beginnings of our career,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC provides students with disabilities a rewarding experience of a first job with a well-earned paycheck with the Summer Earn and Learn program.”


In the summer of 2022, the SEAL program hosted 2,516 students across the state at 1,263 employer sites. See how pre-employment services like SEAL help Texans like Bennett gain workplace skills and experience at CVS in an "earn-while-you-learn" structure.


“Texas employers continue to participate in Summer Earn and Learn and other valuable vocational rehabilitation programs because it is a rewarding experience to work with the true problem-solvers of our society,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “A broad range of Texas employers, large and small, participate in these pre-employment programs, in order to find their hardworking workforce.”


The SEAL program has grown to include a variety of both private and public sector employers, such as Typhoon Texas in Houston, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, the City of Shepherd, Odessa College in Odessa, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, Sea World San Antonio and Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Grand Prairie.


Through the program, students learn about the employer’s industry and develop specialized knowledge and talents. Upon completion of the work experience, some students have had the opportunity to become employed full time.


“Summer Earn and Learn is an exciting and beneficial program for students with disabilities to experience their first job and expand their future career opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This is another excellent example of how an earn-while-you-learn path helps build skills and confidence for youth.”


Success Story One:

This past summer, SEAL participant Neil Milton explored his interest in a science-related career while working at the Science Spectrum interactive museum in Lubbock. Not only has he learned some of the basic principles of engineering, but he has also gained other soft skills.


“I’ve really learned how everything works and operates. I’ve basically learned what it means to be a good employee,” said Milton, “I want to major in wind turbine tech. That includes helping to build wind turbines, fixing parts that are broken, and replacing parts to keep the wind turbine in good condition.” 


Watch Milton’s story here: https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/latest/summer-program-giving-students-with-disabilities-in-west-texas-opportunities-to-develop-job-skills/


Success Story Two:

For several years, Lubbock-area business Mighty Wash has welcomed several students for summer employment through SEAL, and also hired several of those students as full-time employees. Mighty Wash’s Trainer and Training Director Montae Barber is supportive of hiring students with disabilities through SEAL.


“The summer work program that we took part in involved several great working employees at several of the Mighty Wash locations. The kids that wanted to work at the site locations were an awesome help and several are still great team members at the stores,” said Barber. “We would recommend that any business get on board with the Summer Earn and Learn Program at any chance and we look forward to the opportunities in the future.”


Success Story Three:

Open Trail Ranch in Boerne provides a welcoming path to employment to their SEAL participants. The nonprofit provides equine assisted services to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, and say their SEAL trainees bring hardworking attitudes and bright smiles.


“Our SEAL trainees have been a great asset to our facility as we hope we have been to them!” said Open Trail Ranch Program Director Amber Wodarz-O'Hara. “We are so extremely proud of our SEAL trainees and everything they have accomplished so far and we can’t wait to see how they continue to excel!”


Students or employers interested in participating in SEAL should contact their local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office.


Visit: www.easttexasworkforce.org/vocational-rehabilitation-services

Call: 512-936-6400

Email: carolyn.garrett@easttexasworkforce.org

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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