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

Tyler Workforce Center Relocates to Midtown Centre on Beckham

March 17, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce the relocation of its workforce center to the Midtown Centre. The new Tyler workforce center location will open in mid-April and operate at the Midtown Centre shopping center at 1421 S. Beckham Avenue. The business hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workforce Solutions East Texas is a community partnership providing no-cost recruitment and employment services to businesses and job seekers in the East Texas area. The chief elected officials in the region, the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board, and the board's administrative agency, the East Texas Council of Governments, elected to lease the 28,500-square-foot facility. The boards approved entering a seven-year lease term with three three-year extension options. “We’re excited to offer employers and prospective employees a tremendous facility. It allows ample space for recruitment of skilled workers, interviewing, training, enhancing respected skills, and receiving the resources necessary to become valued, long-term assets to the Tyler business community and the surrounding area. I believe employers will see this facility as a force multiplier to ongoing work in building their businesses. Employees will see this as a critical link between their hard work in preparation and the job in which they’ll excel. Together, we’ll set the stage for the next generation in Tyler’s economic development,” said Workforce Solutions East Texas’ Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “Please bear with us as we will be opening in phases, as upgrades to the facility are underway.” The current Workforce Solutions East Texas—Tyler office at 4100 Troup Highway will be closed to the public beginning March 20th at 5:00 PM until mid-April to move. During this time, staff will serve customers virtually by calling 1-844-ETWORKS. What assistance can Job Seekers receive at a Workforce Solutions center? Job listings and referrals Resume assistance Veterans services Community resource information Child care information Copier, fax machine, telephone, and computer access Internet access Labor market information Career exploration and planning GED information & referral Job search workshops Occupational training information Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and other partners What assistance can Employers receive at a Workforce Solutions center? On-site recruiting Interviewing and hiring Job Fairs Internet-based job postings Assistance with customized skill training Wage and labor market information Employee layoff assistance Additional assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.

Success Story: Dawson McElroy

March 17, 2026
When Dawson McElroy walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas, he was seeking more than a job—he was seeking a new direction in life. Fresh out of rehab, Dawson was determined to rebuild. “I was in a bad dip in my life, and I wasn’t doing too good,” he shared. “I had just gotten out of rehab and was looking for a job when I heard about the WIOA program.” Dawson had long dreamed of earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and becoming a truck driver, but the cost of training made it feel out of reach. Through the WIOA program at Workforce Solutions East Texas, he found the opportunity he needed to turn that dream into a plan. With support from the Workforce team, Dawson enrolled in CDL training at Texas State Technical College in Marshall, taking a major step toward a career that could offer stability, independence, and the chance to see the country. “The WIOA program is a very step-by-step process,” Dawson explained. “You keep timesheets, you stay in contact with your advisor, and it keeps you responsible. It kept my mindset in the game and helped keep me on track.” That structure, and the people behind it, made all the difference. Dawson worked closely with his advisors, including Sheila Godfrey, Leticia Hollins, Theressa Jackson, and Theresa Hoffer, who guided him through each step of the program. They checked in on his progress, helped him navigate challenges, and ensured he had the support needed to stay focused on his goals. “If I messed up on anything, I could always talk to my advisor, and they would help me fix it,” Dawson said. “They stayed in the loop with me about what I needed to do.” Beyond training support, the program also helped remove barriers that could have derailed his progress. Assistance, such as gas cards and transportation support, ensured Dawson could continue attending training and completing work requirements. “They are willing to go that far in the WIOA program,” Dawson said. “I’m thankful to the workforce team and everybody that helped me.” Thanks to the support and guidance of his team, Dawson overcame his barriers and achieved two milestones along his journey: earning his CDL license and landing a new job at Horizon Cables. Reflecting on how far he has come, Dawson speaks openly about the challenges of his past and the power of choosing a new path. “The past me was in a deep, deep rut. Rock bottom had a basement and I’ve seen that,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. If you give yourself the opportunity to get clean and move forward, there’s nothing stopping you from succeeding in this life.” Dawson’s journey is a powerful example of how the right support, structure, and opportunity can help individuals rebuild their lives—turning second chances into new careers and new beginnings.

Success Story: Antionia – Rising Strong

February 27, 2026
When Antionia arrived for her first Job Connection class at the Workforce Solutions East Texas Longview office on August 5, 2025, she stepped inside with a mix of nerves and hope. As she entered the class, it was clear that she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a chance to begin again. At that time, Antionia was staying at the Hope Center in Longview. The shelter gave her safety, but she longed for something permanent, something steady. Despite the uncertainty in her life, she showed up with a fierce desire to rebuild. From the moment she sat down in class, it was clear she was ready to do the work. With guidance from staff, she created a polished resume, updated her Work in Texas profile, and explored job leads. Each task, whether big or small, became a stepping stone toward the future she envisioned. She held tightly to every piece of support, letting it become the steady light guiding her next steps. When she returned the following week, she carried herself differently—straighter posture, stronger voice, brighter eyes. Her determination had deepened. She reviewed applications, followed up on leads, and talked openly about her dream of finding stability and independence. She didn’t want a shortcut. She wanted a real path forward. During her visit, she also applied for a GAP warehouse position, a role that seemed perfectly aligned with her strengths and work ethic. Not long after, Antionia received the call she had been waiting for: she had landed a job interview. Excited but nervous, she sought help from her friends at Workforce Solutions East Texas. Her support team rallied around her, determined to help her make the most of the opportunity. By October, all her persistence paid off. Antionia shared the news with pride in her voice: she had been hired at GAP. But progress rarely comes without obstacles. A short time later, she discovered a mistake in her email address—one small typo that caused her to miss a crucial message from GAP. The realization hit her hard. After everything she had worked for, she feared she had lost her chance. Instead of shutting down, Antionia came back to the office immediately. Her resume was corrected, and LaShawn Crawford, a member of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Outreach team, contacted GAP’s HR team to explain the situation. After a brief conversation with LaShawn, the HR team was more than happy to resend the link for her new hire orientation. Relief washed over Antionia, and her determination to succeed grew even stronger. She walked out of the office with renewed confidence, ready for whatever came next. Within just three weeks, she earned a full-time position and began working overtime. Her supervisors saw what everyone who met her already knew, she was hardworking, dependable, and eager to grow. Her life began to shift. She moved out of the shelter and into a family member’s home while searching for her own apartment. With each passing day, she stepped closer to independence, to stability, to the life she had promised herself. Throughout her journey, Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford played a meaningful role. Reflecting on the experience, LaShawn shared, “To be a part of this life change is so fulfilling. This is what it’s all about—helping people find hope again.” Today, Antionia stands not as a reflection of the struggles she endured, but as a shining testament to resilience. She is thriving in her new job, rebuilding her life piece by piece, and proving each day that determination can transform even the hardest beginnings into stories of victory. She speaks with deep gratitude for the team at Workforce Solutions East Texas—their guidance, their encouragement, and the services offered freely and without hesitation. Above all, she credits the steadfast support of Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford. “LaShawn was very delightful and she helped me. I’ve come a long way and I just really appreciate LaShawn. She made sure I had what I need,” Antionia shared. She even credits LaShawn with helping her find the apartment she recently moved into, a milestone that symbolizes just how far she has come. "LaShawn referred me to the apartments and I love it. It's not perfect or fancy, but it's mine." Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope is real, change is possible, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to take that first step. And Antionia took that step; bravely, boldly, beautifully.
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