Summer Earn and Learn Program

The Summer Earn & Learn Program is a statewide initiative designed to help students with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 22, gain work readiness training and paid work experience. The program is offered by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas in partnership with Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Services. It includes employability skills training, paid work experience, and reasonable accommodations required by the students, which are provided by participating employers who receive an orientation prior to placement. The program aims to create pathways to employment, and thus far, more than 5,000 students statewide (769 within the WSNCT service area) have participated in the Summer Earn & Learn program and worked in various positions. Participating students must have an Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan, and eligible employers can express their interest in participating in the program by completing the Employer Interest Form.

To be considered for the Summer Earn & Learn program, eligible applicants must have an individualized education plan or a 504 plan, must be between the ages of 14 and 22 years old, and must be less than 22 years old as of September 1, 2022. Participants will receive workplace readiness training to prepare them for successful employment and will have the opportunity to build their skills and identify future career goals through paid work experience. Participating employers will cover wages and workers' compensation insurance, and will provide reasonable accommodations required by the student. Employers will also receive an orientation prior to placement. To participate, eligible students can contact the Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor assigned to their school or call Rosla Hocker at (817) 436-4127 for additional information.