Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) is a summer program in partnership between Workforce Solutions South Plains, Texas Workforce Commission, and local employers who partner to create meaningful work opportunities 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.
“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.”
Workforce Solutions South Plains is currently seeking businesses in Littlefield, both private and public sector, to act as worksites for these students to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and learn about the industry. In the summer of 2022, the SEAL program hosted 2,516 students across the state at 1,263 employer sites. Upon completion of the work experience, some students have had the opportunity to become employed full time.
“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 problemsolvers 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.”
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.”
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.”
If you own or manage a business in Littlefield, and would like to be part of this amazing program where you get the benefit of extra hands on-deck for 5 weeks, no additional costs to your business, and the pleasure of helping the youth in your community, please contact Workforce Solutions South Plains TODAY. WHO: Workforce Solutions South Plains needs Littlefield employers
WHAT: Summer Earn and Learn Program
WHEN: RIGHT NOW WHERE: Littlefield WHY: To give youth in your community new skills and professional experience Contact Rosa Hernandez at: rosa.hernandez@spworkforce.org or (806) 744-1987 Workforce Solutions South Plains is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Programs. Program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 800735-2989 (TDD); and 711 (Voice); or Relay Texas Spanish 800-7352989 (TDD). Workforce Solutions programs and projects are funded in whole or in part by federal fund. This document contains vital information about requirements, rights, determinations, and/or responsibilities for accessing workforce system services.